What is this and how does it open?

Monofletch

Monofletch

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Jan 14, 2010
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I know you guys are the smartest group of people I have access to. I found this thing. It rattles and there is something inside. It seems to be aluminum. I have tried twisting both ends with no luck.
IMAG2852.jpg What is it and how do I get it open without using my Busse?
Thanks.
 
It's a match safe, twist the middle knurled section to unscrew (towards the bail) then pivot the other end open.

~Chip
 
Altogether a very funny thread (and informative too). :D

Ray
 
Sorry for such a stupid question, but I was cleaning out an old gun safe and this was under a bunch of stuff.
 
Monofletch said:
Sorry for such a stupid question, but I was cleaning out an old gun safe and this was under a bunch of stuff.
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Sorry to suggest that your question was stupid - ABSOLUTELY NOT - you just didn't know and so you asked. :thumbsup:

My reply was in regards to some of the clever replies (#4, #5, #6) that followed your question - which I found amusing.

Ray
 
Oh, I know. Sometimes I feel like an idiot for asking dumb things on this forum. But one of you guys will know the answer! :)
 
I think those were originally invented and made by Marbles. I have one that belonged to my grandfather that is probably close to 100 yrs old. It still works.--KV
 
Those old time " strike anywhere " type matches probably needed to carried in a metal container for safety . :cool:
 
DocJD said:
Those old time " strike anywhere " type matches probably needed to carried in a metal container for safety . :cool:
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It keeps them dry (there should be a rubber seal in the cap, and you can strike them on the rough side.
 
According to my father, my grandfather used it to keep his matches dry from sweat. He was a stonemason in Tx. Pretty sweaty occupation I guess.--KV
 
I carried this type of matchsafe when I was a kid.

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But I also have the kind like you have. If you use it remember to always turn 1/2 your matches the other way just in case one goes off from a sudden shock/bump. Strike anywhere matches are notorious for spontaneously igniting hut if you have half the matches facing the other way at least you have 1/2 left.also remember to take the striker from a pack of paper matches, fold it in half on itself so the striker is faced inwards. This way it won't accidentally light the matches and in the event you can't find something to strike your strike anywhere match on you'll have the striker. It works as a shock absorber to to help prevent the matches from igniting as a result of shock/bumping. I also made matchstick sized piece of split fatwood, it helps to make the matches last longer and makes a better kindling after your tinder ignites.
 
Definitely looks like an old MARBLES match safe.
They still offer them today but I'm not sure where their made.
 
The old Marbles safes are worth more than the new Chinese ones. Don't take one from the 60's to the air port. You'll never get past the dogs.
 
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