Posted 13 years ago
JSmed
(123 items)
I found this in my storage shed today . Didn't even know I had it when I posted the cardboard Oshkosh match box earlier. Has the name stenciled Wells Briggs & Co. Madison Wis. on the side. Any one have info on that company. Still know nothing about Oshkosh matches story either.
1880's THE OSHKOSH MATCH COMPANY BOX
This company existed during the 1880s and according to the City Directories had R. McMillen as president, S. W. Hollister as vice-president and A.W. Jones as secretary and treasurer. Their office in 1886 was 443 High street. I could not find if they ever were bought out or merged with Diamond Match. At that time Diamond Match was in town but was a separate business. So your box is from the 1880's era. As for compnay who meade box?? found nothing. Dave
Thanks for posting, I did have that info on the Oshkosh Match Company but nothing on why Diamond was using the Brand name Oshkosh Matches.
I think it's likely Diamond Match Co. bought the Oshkosh Match Co. and retained the brand name at least for the Wis. market. The stenciled name on the box is probably the destination address for the original shipment.
This crate held the Oshkosh brand (box matches) produced by the Diamond Match Co, that had a factory in Oshkosh as well. I'm a matchcover collector and love historical match company items such as this. If you're interested in selling it, please contact me.