This matchbook, produced by Diamond Match International Corporation has the unique, but important message about the safe use of matches.
Ever since the first matches (congreves) were invented in 1827, the populous has found the phosphorous match to be dangerous. Improvements to lessen the various dangers have come in baby steps. An early salesman for Diamond Match suggested moving the enclosed striker to the outside cover and the "close cover" wording we now take for granted. In 1973, manufacturers moved the striker from the front cover to the back, hence older matchbooks are often called "front strikers".
No matter the precautions taken by manufacturers, ultimately the final step in safety comes from the user.
In this promotion, adults are reminded to keep safety first in this cover's chiastic message. Use of the chiasmus ( ky-AZ-mus, n. a reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases) imparts an added impact to a simple message.
Take it from the match, it knows-
Note: The KC Matchgirl is going to take an educated guess that this public service message was produced as a direct result of industry changes in 1973, when the striker switched from front to back covers. For other covers in this series, see the post from June 2018, On The Move.
