Matchboxes

Did Victorian Flea Circus performers keep their fleas in matchboxes?

It's a nice idea but perhaps a little unlikely. The match was invented in 1827 which is just before the Flea Circus rose to popularity and as you can see from the picture, the large size of the matches meant for large boxes. There is also the issue of the fleas being able to escape.

It is more likely that the Flea Trainers used a pill box because the size and seal was more appropriate for keeping fleas.

However in the Flea Film I intend to use a match box because they look better and because my Ring Master has too large hands to manipulate a pill box. So I don't expect all you Pullicologists and Phillumenists to be writing in with complaints because I told you in advance....

BRITISH MATCHBOX LABEL AND BOOKLET SOCIETY