Match | Friction

: Walker began selling his "friction lights" in April 1827. These original matches were about three inches long and used a mixture of antimony sulfide, potassium chlorate, gum, and starch.

Modern friction matches are generally categorized into two main types: friction match

A friction match is a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with a combustible chemical that ignites when scraped against a rough surface. First invented by accident in 1826 by English chemist John Walker , these "friction lights" allowed for the instant creation of fire without the need for a traditional tinderbox. History and Invention : Walker began selling his "friction lights" in April 1827