On their next date, Eddie nervously handed her the small box. “For you,” he mumbled. Brenda unwrapped it, turned the case over in her hands, and smiled. “It’s beautiful,” she said, pretending to inspect it’s classic MCM exterior like a movie star. “Don’t I look glamorous?” Eddie, already red in the face, was about to say something when she accidently snapped the flip-top lid open and sent cigarettes tumbling, one straight into her milkshake.
For a second there was silence. Eddie braced for disaster. Then Brenda burst into laughter, the kind of laugh that made the whole soda shop turn and smile. Still giggling, she fished the cigarette out of the milkshake, held it up, and said, “I think I’ll save this one for a special occasion.” The cigarette case became one of her favorite keepsakes. She carried it for years, as a “lucky charm” and as evidence of how rebellious both she and Eddie were in the 1950s. And Eddie? He eventually bought her a real ring, and she said yes.
Cigarette cases emerged in the late 19th century to protect and carry pre-rolled cigarettes. As smoking became more socially acceptable cigarette cases became symbols of sophistication and status. Many were engraved or had artistic designs reflecting styles like Art Nouveau or Art Deco. The 1950s saw cigarette cases become practical everyday items rather than luxury accessories. As cigarettes became packaged in durable boxes in the 1960s, the need for hardbody cigarette cases declined. By the 1980s, such cases had become nostalgic collectible items, especially vintage Mid-Century Modern designs like this piece.
Mid-Century Modern design was all about symmetry between form and function. Simple elegance, artistic pieces, and geometric shapes were essential elements of the aesthetic. By incorporating straight, clean lines and bold colors, designers created stunning spaces that were both visually appealing and practical. Gold and black were often used in Mid-Century Modern designs, often used to create a bold, sophisticated, and futuristic aesthetic. They were popular in atomic starburst forms, reflecting the fascination with space exploration, and in straight line patterns like the stripes in this cigarette case. The combination looked futuristic, stylish, and timeless, which is why it’s still popular and so desirable today.
This Matchic brand cigarette and match case was a vintage Mid-Century Modern accessory designed to hold both cigarettes and matches in one compact and stylish container. The slim profile made it easy to carry in a pocket or purse, and its flip-top made it easy to access the regular or king-sized cigarettes inside. It was a fashion statement with practicality, inexpensive since it was pre-priced at 29-cents (see the pictures). Even Eddie could afford one.
The slots in the front also held a paper matchbook so that a match could be removed, struck, and used to light a cigarette in one fluid motion. The design for the box was the work of two North Carolina inventors, Dale D. Hayes and Paul L. Shadburn, who obtained a patent for the design in 1953. This new original stock (NOS) piece, complete with its original, pre-priced box, measures 3.5 x 2.25 x 1 inch (9 x 6 x 2.5 cm) and comes with the attached flip top. It has instructions and a piece of foam inside, a spacer for regular vs. king size cigarettes. Made a sturdy lithographed metal.
The brand name, Matchic, meant “match” and “chic”, which is a cute of describing what this box is all about. 1950s cigarettes cases such as this are sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts for their historical value and unique craftsmanship. The box can also be used as a special keepsake collector, MCM room decoration, or a safe place to keep parts and such. Inexpensive at twice the price (but can’t be purchased for 29-cents anymore). Check out our other MCM and keepsake box items at www.ebay.com/str/agitpropshoppe
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