Match Holder

This is a small (2") Wedgwood Blue Jasper Match/Toothpick holder that I bought in an Antique Shop many years ago.
It's a fascinating item showing the Ripon coat of arms and the Ripon motto.
The horn shown on the shield is blown every night at 9pm by the night watchman or wakeman, from each of the four corners of the market cross - this lets the people know that the watch was set and he was now on patrol. This ritual has not been missed, not for one night, in over 1100 years.
The motto "Except the Lord keep the cittie, the wakeman waketh in vain" seems to indicate if the Lord is looking after Ripon, the Wakeman isn't really needed - but he still carried out his duties.
The extra wording below the city motto "as trew steel as Ripon Rowels" refers to spurs for which Ripon was famous.  They were the very best money could buy.