Harlequin Match

The Harlequin match is essentially an ordinary wood splint friction match, where the match head is made in various colours and packed in decorative containers. These containers and matches give a visual multi-coloured impact. Although mostly associated with Bryant & May, similar matches and containers were first produced in Germany.

In 1927 Bryant & May started to produce what became an extensive range, sold in decorative card containers, and registered the ‘Harlequin’ as a Trademark in 1928. In 1956 Bryant & May launched Harlequin matches in Plastic containers, of round and square shape with fitted lids. In 1969 their Harlequin matches were sold in flip top rectangular plastic containers.