Here is a Barbey’s Saloon Match Safe from the P. Barbey’s & Sons Brewing Company located in Reading, PA. This Barbey’s Saloon Match Safe is probably from the early 1900’s era and is in very good condition for it’s age. It would have been used at the tavern as a give-away item to bar patrons. The match safe’s approximately size is 1″ x 2″ x .5″ and is made of brass. There is a small compartment on the top which I believe would have been used to store cigarette rolling paper or postage stamps. The bottom compartment slides open to hold matches, while the back of the match safe has a ribbed match striking area.
The Barbey’s Saloon was a tavern back in the day that was owned by Jacob Barbey who was also the owner of the P. Barbey & Sons Brewing Company located in Reading, PA. In those days it wasn’t uncommon for breweries to own various bars and taverns that would distribute and serve their beers, ales, and porters. The original Barbey’s Saloon building at 435 Penn Street is still standing to this day.
In all my years of collecting breweriana I’ve never seen one of these or even seen one from another brewery. It’s very unique and as I imagine very rare. I’m very happy to have it in my collection!