19th Century Sterling Silver Football Match Holder

Offered here is an absolutely outstanding 19th Century Sterling Silver Football Match Holder, a truly rare and exquisite artifact from the dawn of America’s gridiron game. This finely crafted piece captures the rugged beauty and early spirit of football with exceptional artistry and detail.

Fashioned entirely from sterling silver, the match holder features a striking figural image of a ball carrier in full stride, rendered with remarkable precision. Every element, from the determined expression to the period-appropriate uniform, is beautifully detailed, offering a powerful glimpse into the sport’s earliest days.

The silver surface boasts a lovely, natural patina, while the overall condition remains excellent, showing only minimal signs of handling consistent with its age. The match compartment opens and closes smoothly, further speaking to the high quality of its original construction.

Early football items, especially those rendered in precious metal, are virtually nonexistent, making this a truly scarce and desirable piece for the advanced sports memorabilia collector. Whether displayed as part of a curated gridiron collection or admired as a standalone work of early American sport art, this sterling silver match holder is a museum-worthy treasure from football’s formative years. Please call directly with any questions or concerns.