A Cast Brass Novelty Match Holder in the Form of a Cavalier's Head

A cast brass novelty match holder or desk ornament modelled in the form of the head of a seventeenth-century gentleman or Cavalier. The figure is depicted with a prominent curled moustache, a pointed beard, and a wide-brimmed plumed hat which incorporates a curved handle. The head is hollow at the crown for the storage of matches or small desk accessories. The piece is constructed from cast brass and features a flat, solid base. Faint stamped marks are visible along the outer edge of the underside; however, they are significantly worn and cannot be deciphered. A small remnant of a white paper adhesive label is present on the base.