Two small match containers connect sporting achievement, Melbourne industry and colourful household advertising. The illustrated examples feature Captain Webb’s portrait and a cylindrical R. Bell & Co., Melbourne container with tartan decoration.
Captain Matthew Webb: A Victorian Sporting Celebrity
Captain Matthew Webb (1848–1883) became the first person to swim the English Channel unaided in August 1875. Setting off from Dover on 24 August, he reached the French coast after approximately 21 hours and 45 minutes.
A merchant seaman turned professional swimmer, Webb became internationally famous. His name and portrait appeared on commercial products, including match packaging, extending his public recognition beyond the swimming world.
The date printed on the illustrated Captain Webb label commemorates his swimming achievement; it does not establish when the matchbox was manufactured.
Bryant & May: From London to Richmond
Bryant & May became a major British match manufacturer, opening its Bow factory in London in 1861. Captain Webb-branded matches are documented among the company’s products.
The firm also became closely associated with Richmond, Melbourne. Following its amalgamation with R. Bell & Co., the combined business opened its new Richmond factory in 1909. State Library Victoria preserves an extensive Bryant and May archive documenting factory life, advertising, matchboxes and labels.
R. Bell & Co., Melbourne
R. Bell & Co. began making wax vestas in Richmond in 1895. In 1909 it joined Bryant & May under the name Bryant & May, Bell & Co. Pty Ltd.
Although Bell was dropped from the company name in 1922, Bell branding continued on match products. Consequently, an R. Bell label alone cannot establish that a container predates the merger.
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society holds a comparable cylindrical container bearing the R. Bell & Co., Melbourne name and a red-and-blue tartan pattern. Its catalogue records the date as unknown.
Why These Containers Interest Collectors
Their contrasting shapes, printed decoration and recognisable branding illustrate how everyday packaging carried stories and sold products. Together, they offer connections to sporting memorabilia, advertising, Melbourne manufacturing and domestic history.
When assessing similar examples, compare the complete labels, maker’s wording, construction and condition. Distinguish the history celebrated on the packaging from the date of the container itself.
Browse more Tobacciana & Smoking Collectables from TMC Emporium.
View the Captain Webb and R. Bell vintage matchbox pair.
Further reading: State Library Victoria’s Bryant and May collection.