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Hamilton Matches

Hamilton Mfg. Co, Hamilton, OH, c. 1910, 15". This is a near-twin to the Alexander match vendor. They're so similar that I can't remember which is which without looking at the curved front panel that lists the manufacturer. The biggest difference structurally is that this opens and loads from the front whereas the Alexander does that from the back. This one also has a match holder and cigar snipper attached to the base, which the Alexander does not.

There's no doubt that both models were made in the same place, with this version labeled for the Hamilton Mfg. Co. and the other one labeled for the Alexander Mfg. Co. Note that the front of this one says "Made by the Hamilton Mfg. Co." while the Alexander panel says "The Alexander Mfg. Co." without the made by. That suggests that the Hamilton Mfg. Co. made both models, but that's a literal interpretation that may not be accurate.

The example above is 100% original. This model and the Alexander are both considered rare.