Antique Berghoff Match Holder

Updated August 27, 2026

This exquisite piece is a vintage porcelain matchbox holder and striker, specifically commissioned for the historic The Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago. Design & Functionality The uniquely shaped porcelain block is designed to hold a standard box of matches or vestas. The Open Cradle: The hollow, open-top center holds the matchbox securely. The Side Cutout: The side arches expose the abrasive striking strip on the side of the matchbox, allowing patrons to strike matches directly against it without removing the box from the porcelain holder. Historic Provenance The Berghoff Crest featured on the front dates this piece to the 1898–1915 era, matching the reddish-brown Bauscher Weiden German export stamp on the base. The Legend: Founded by German immigrant Herman Berghoff, the establishment famously started as a World's Fair beer stand in 1893. The Loop Landmark: He opened the permanent downtown Chicago restaurant in 1898. Following Prohibition, the restaurant famously received Chicago's historic Liquor License No. 1, a status it proudly holds to this day.

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