History of Match in Timeline

A match is a tool used to start a fire, typically composed of a small wooden stick or stiff paper. One end is coated with a material that ignites through friction when struck against a suitable surface. Wooden matches are packaged in matchboxes, while paper matches come in matchbooks. The match 'head' contains active ingredients and a binder, often colored. There are two primary types: safety matches, which require a specific striking surface, and strike-anywhere matches, which can be ignited on any suitably frictional surface.

1901: Albright and Wilson start phosphorus sesquisulfide production in US

In 1901, Albright and Wilson began producing phosphorus sesquisulfide at their Niagara Falls, New York plant for the US market; however, American manufacturers continued to use white phosphorus matches.

1901: Netherlands prohibit white phosphorus matches

In 1901, The Netherlands prohibited the use of white phosphorus in matches, joining other countries that had already banned it due to its harmful effects.

1903: Jönköpings & Vulcans Tändsticksfabriks AB is called Swedish Match

By 1903, Jönköpings & Vulcans Tändsticksfabriks AB, mainly situated in Jönköping, was called Swedish Match.

September 1906: Berne Convention bans white phosphorus in matches

In September 1906, the Berne Convention was reached in Bern, Switzerland. This agreement banned the use of white phosphorus in matches, requiring each country to enact laws prohibiting it.

1908: United Kingdom law prohibits white phosphorus matches

In 1908, the United Kingdom passed a law prohibiting the use of white phosphorus in matches, which would be effective after 31 December 1910.

December 1910: United Kingdom prohibits white phosphorus matches

In 1908, the United Kingdom had passed a law prohibiting the use of white phosphorus in matches, and this law went into effect after December 31, 1910.

1910: US Congress forbids interstate shipment of white phosphorus matches

In 1910, the United States Congress forbade the shipment of white phosphorus matches in interstate commerce. Albright and Wilson's Niagara Falls plant had been making them until then.

1913: United States places punitive tax on white phosphorus matches

In 1913, the United States did not pass a law to ban white phosphorus matches, but instead placed a "punitive tax" on them. The tax was so high that it made their manufacture financially impractical.