An old hoeve nearby has been bought and is gonna be renovated. The new owners, invaders from antwerp in my beloved limburg, found some old junk on the zolder(fill in english word).

They were friendly. We did an introduction chat. And they said if i wanted anything i could take it.

The kringloopwinkel in me flared into action. But it was mostly junk…exept this black plastic box. And inside? Matches. Lots of them. But these just are awesome.

One sealed paper box of Union matches (first photo) and a torn second box with union matches but labelled "made in belgium'. (First photo). Aswel as a yellow box with the tag "stekskes" with inside, 30 older style union matches boxes. (second photo left). New style boxes are next to them for comparision.

The oldest one say made in Bruxelles belgium, has a flat striking surface and dark yellow tips with..flashy purplepink wood. The newer type has a ribbed striking surface, less text and fluff. The woods are the same color but the tips are light yellow.

Striking both these matches give a STRONG smell. With the older ones lighting more intensily. Smell is..weird. its sulphur but not just sulphur. If anyone has knownledge please share it.

I am gonna put these safely away and preserve this piece of consumer history. Belgium was the second largest fabricator and exporter of matches beside sweden. The name union match was adopted in 1980 so these matches are atleast 50 years old. But anyone with info= please share!

by theta0123

7 comments

  2. Pretty sure the yellow tip red stick means they are “strike anywhere”.

    Beyond that that’s cool it does mean they are inherently more dangerous as the box includes anywhere.

    I could be wrong, but please do check!
    Also might be good to check how shelf stable they remain after decades

  3. i have like 20 of those boxes. lol i use them to light stuff.

  4. Very cool. These used to be everywhere. I still remember their smell.

  5. Don’t call us invaders be honoured we as Antwerpenaren want to live in the parking…

  6. Damn, I also have those pink matches but I didn’t know about the history behind them! Very cool thanks for sharing.

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