Carved Victorian Boot Match Safe Arthur armour as if the bird is

as if the bird is hovering over or just lifting off of the water

The solid orange/red lacquer handle at the center of the top makes this box particularly nice

but it is well stuck on and I'm leaving it alone

7 1/2" tall x 2 1/2" wide x 1" thick

and documented in detailed photo

Carved Victorian Boot Match Safe Arthur armour as if the bird isBoot shaped match safes were definitely a thing one finds carved as well as cast iron versions shaped like cowboy boots as well as Victorian boots, which I believe is the case with this one, which I believe dates to the end of the 19th century. I'm a sucker for a carved shoe or boot to begin with, and even better if serves a function! The finish to the wood is well worn, particularly on one side, but there are no notable chips or cracks and it remains