A lovely antique circa 1896 English porcelain match striker with sterling silver rim and enameled Royal Canoe Club flag. Excellent antique condition, just some small signs of age and use, a few teeny bumps to the sterling. There is a small chip to the flag’s enamel in the lower right corner. Full hallmarks for Sterling Silver, assayed in london in the year 1896.

Measures about 2.75” tall by 2.75” wide.

The Royal Canoe Club, founded in 1866, is the oldest canoe club in the world and received royal patronage in the 19th century. The club promotes canoeing and kayaking, focusing on flatwater, sprint and marathon disciplines. Members of the club have represented Great Britain at World Championships and the Olympic Games. The club is based at Trowlock Island on the River Thames in Teddington near London. The final two images are of a cigarette trading card that I found in the New York Public library’s collection while researching and identifying the flag on the front of this piece. The images are included for historical context only, the card is not included with your purchase of this striker.