Austria - Military equipment

WW1 Collector's Item - Automatic Matchbox Austro-Hungarian, Patent D.R.G.M. (c. 1915)Description:I am selling an authentic historical collector's item (militaria), from the First World War (The Great War): a pocket matchbox (Match Safe / Pocket Vesta Case) with automatic opening, personalized for officers or soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.Mechanism and Technical Features:Automatic Opening ("Pop-up"): The box is equipped with an ingenious mechanism with a side button and spring. At a simple press of the button, the diagonally cut lid opens instantly. The mechanism is 100% functional.Patent Mark: Under the hinge is the official German D.R.G.M. punch stamped. (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster), which certifies the registration and protection of this innovative mechanical design. Striker: On the lower outer base (bottom of the box), the piece features the original deep-striated area, used in the era for the friction ignition of phosphorus matches. Ergonomic design: The body of the box has a slightly curved, arched shape, specially designed to fit perfectly in the pocket of a military tunic or vest. The inner edge is raised (collared) to ensure watertightness.Heraldic Details (Complete Coat of Arms):The front part is decorated with an applied metal emblem, in relief, which faithfully reproduces the Small Coat of Arms of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (adopted following the heraldic reform of 1915):The double-headed eagle of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, crowned with the Imperial Crown of Austria (Crown of Rudolf II).In its claws it bears the insignia of power: the sword in the right and the cruciferous globe (the orb) in the left.The split central shield symbolically represents the dualist alliance: the coat of arms of Austria on the left, of Hungary on the right, united in the middle by the coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty.The circular band around the shield contains the official imperial motto in Latin: "INDIVISIBILITER AC INSEPARABILITER" (Indivisible and inseparable).Conservation status:The piece is in a state Excellent aesthetics and mechanics for its age. It presents a superb natural patina of time, with light traces of verdigris (collage) on the bottom of the case, which attests to its authenticity and the composition of the metal alloy (alpaca/nickel-plated brass). It has not been chemically or force-cleaned, keeping its historical value intact. A special historical souvenir, ideal for collectors of K.u.K. objects, WW1 militaria or vintage tobacco/fire accessories