Charming Small Gold Painted Tramp Art Hanging Match Holder Dated 1900 antique slide front mounts and the wonderful painted decoration

and the wonderful painted decoration everywhere

28 1/2" long x 8 1/2" tall x 3 5/8" deep (at base)

But I've searched and searched and not found another quite like it

Plus those eyes and whiskers

and later a Trustee

Charming Small Gold Painted Tramp Art Hanging Match Holder Dated 1900 antique slide front mounts and the wonderful painted decorationYes, this lovely wall hanging piece could indeed hold some matches or other little things, but I'd treat it as pure sculpture, perhaps a bit like a crucifix for the believer in small wonders! 8 stacked chip carved layers on the pocket, and little carved stars topping each of the round bits, all painted gold, which has mellowed perfectly with age. On the underside of the pocket its maker carved their initials and the year, 1900 quite a nice way to mark