Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Matchbox Holder with Matchbox
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Matchbox Holder with Matchbox

Artifact IDMO 1974.273a
Object Type Holder, Matchbox
Maker (Norwegian-American, 1909 - 1975)
Possible Maker (American, 1927 - 1938)
Maker (American, founded 1881)
Dateca. 1935-1942
Mediummetal (pewter), cardboard
Dimensionsoverall H 2 3/8 in x W 1 3/4 in x D 2 in (6 cm x 4.4 cm x 5.1 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A pewter matchbox holder consisting of two half circles with flat bottoms, between which is the rectangular holder, mounted vertically, with three open sides. The maker's name is inscribed on the underside of the holder: A. Berge.

b) Inserted into the matchbox holder (a) is a small red, white, and blue Diamond International Corp. Safety Matches box. The cardboard box contains 35 unused matches.
Historical NoteIt is not known if this matchbox holder, made by Val-Kill forge metalsmith Arnold Berge, was created during or after Val-Kill Industries was dissolved in 1938. Berge continued to make the same pewter pieces, under his name, after the business was dissolved.
Additional Details
Credit LineGift of Arnold Berge
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright Status Unknown. Work of authorship with possibly copyright restrictions gifted to an individual and transferred or deeded into US govt ownership.
In Collection(s)
Not on view