Matchbook of British India Steam Navigation Company, vintage advertising hotsell matchbook, East India Company

Matchbook of British India Steam Navigation Company, vintage advertising matchbook, British Raj, Mailboats, P&O Line, Troop carrier, cruise ship, East Indian shipping company

Rare matchbook advertising the BI shipping company.
The BI started life in 1856 as the Calcutta and Burmah Steam Navigation Company – formed by 2 Scotsmen. It was initially a mail boat between India hotsell and Burma. Six years later, it became the British India Steam Navigation Company, BI for short, extending to military and educational contracts. One of its ships was sunk by a German U-boat and another by a terrorist bomb. In 1914 it became a subsidiary of P&O and by 1971 BI was completely absorbed into the parent company.
This rare matchbook sports the BI house flag of a white swallowtail with a red saltire on the front. (I'm not sure if the grey strokes on the ensign are part of the printing or stains.) The back has a red panel with 'Ship & Travel by BI' printed on it.
The inside is the most fascinating part of the matchbook. Each pink-headed matchstick carries the name of a country on the company's shipping route. There are 3 tiers of matchstciks and possibly more names on the ones behind the initial row. Only 1 matchstick has been used.
The address of the company – One Aldgate, London, E.C.3 is recorded on the inside cover.
A striking strip is stapled to the card below the sticks (photo 7). On its base, minute printing states 'Bryant & Mays Safety Matches Made in England'.
This exceptional matchbook comes from a collection from the mid 1900s, probably not long after India's independence and the formation of Pakistan.
Apart from the rusty staple and missing matchstick, the item is in pretty good shape for its age. A little scuffing of the paper is to be expected.
A very collectable gift for a phillumenist . . .or, indeed, a lover of travel.
3.5cm x 4.5cm
NOTE: Regrettably, Fabcraft does not deliver to Germany.