This is an original Art Deco period Dunhill YZ Nut Bird match striker, made by Henry Howell & Co & retailed by Dunhill, & dating to around 1925- 30.

The striker is in the form of a bird (Pelican ?), & is made from a nicely figured wood, with glass eyes & a phenolic resin beak.

The beak is a dark translucent red, & the eyes are yellow.

The bird has 16 holes in it's head, which were designed to hold the matches, & a circular Shagreen disc on one side, which acts as the striker.

The bird is marked 'YZ' in a lozenge, with 'MADE IN ENGLAND' underneath.

Condition is fine for its 80+ years. The only points to note are that the tip of the beak has a small slice missing & there is the expected, but very light wear to the shagreen.

The bird stands approx 5 1/4" high (approx 13.3cm).

Overall, a lovely example of this piece of iconic Art Deco design.