Ghost Signs (104): Puck Matches, Leeds

By Carolineld @carolineld
 
A colourful sign looks over Harehills Road, Leeds, from Conway Road (not to be confused with neighbouring  Conway Drive, Street, Avenue, Mount, View, Grove or Place!). Although the image of a matchbox and pointy-eared head catch the eye first, a closer view shows that this is a palimpsest. Just visible underneath is another advertisement for the same brand: 'British matches for British Homes - Puck matches'.
Although the packs are clearly marked 'Bryant & May', and the earliest advert borrows a slogan from the parent brand, Puck matches were originally made by the Diamond Match Company. Rather than try to compete with the highly-automated American firm, Bryant & May bought their British assets in 1905; in return, the American parent company took over 50% of Bryant & May's shares.
I haven't found out the date when Puck matches disappeared from the shops, although I don't remember seeing them. This Leeds sign has long outlasted the product.