This is a British made celluloid & tin plate matchbox holder or grip, dating to the World War One period 1914 - 1918.

The front of the holder has the winged insignia of the RFC.

The spine reads 'The Royal Flying Corps'.

The reverse has the WWI allies flags of : The Kingdom of Italy, Belgium, the British Union flag, France, & the Russian Empire.

This holder dates from between 1914 & 1917 (when the Russian Empire ceased).

The Royal Flying Corps were founded in 1912, & entered the War in 1914 to undertake ariel reconnaissance & artillery observation ( the RFC were responsible for manning the observation balloons on the Western Front), & they also flew non-stop offensive patrols over enemy lines. In 1918 the RFC & it's naval counterpart, the RNAS, amalgamated to form the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Similar holders can be found on page 100 in the Schiffer 'Book of Match Holders'.

Condition is Very Good : the corners are slightly bumped with very light foxing around them & the colours are very faded - please see photo's.

Dimensions are approx 5.8cm x 4cm x 2cm.