Old India Pale Ale Tip Tray

Here is a Robert Smith Match Holder from the Robert Smith Ale Brewing Company located in Philadelphia, PA. This Robert Smith Match Holder is from between 1896 to 1901 and is in great condition considering how old it is. It is made of lithographed painted metal and was made by the Chas. W. Shonk Company who was located in Chicago, IL.  The advertising on this matchbox holder depicts the Robert Smith Ale Brewery “Tiger Head Brand” graphics and promotes their products of Ale and Stouts. Match holders like this would have been displayed on the bar top or on tables inside of a tavern or saloon; a matchbox would have sat between the 2 prongs.  Patrons could light their cigars and pipes and discard the used matches into the tray.