A box of matches of Italian origin, windproof, with a representation depicting a torchbearer. Windbreaks or storm matches manage to stay lit even in adverse weather conditions. The Italian company La Saffa was the first to produce them in the early twentieth century and specifically until 1930. This matchbox has a special collectible value.
Società Anonima Fabbriche Fiammiferi ed Affini, SAFFA for short, which was an Italian company, specialized in making matches. The company was headquartered in Milan, founded in 1871 and existed until 2001. It employed up to 4,000 people and exported matches to 23 countries, including Great Britain, France, the United States, South America and the Italian colonies. In its 130 years of existence, the company has merged with many other companies and changed its names several times. The acronym, however, SAFFA, remained until the end.
The windproof and waterproof matches, which still exist today, are suitable for outdoor or camping occasions. They are specially designed to light easily, withstand harsh weather conditions and can burn for up to about 20 seconds. They are usually stored in a sealed container. They are made so that they light up again even if they are first submerged in water!
They are considered as essentials in survival situations as they light up under any conditions. In fact, they are part of the 10 most necessary items in the list of survival items.