Everlasting Matches

Promethean Everlasting Matches were matches made of Umbeka wood. The heat from the flame made the wood grow as fast as the flame consumed it, so the match would never burn down. They were created by the Eternity Perpetual Company from the planet Umbeka. (TN: The Cabinet of Light, NSA: The Resurrection Casket)

In his first incarnation the Doctor often carried a box of these matches. (TN: Time and Relative) Later in his eighth incarnation he often utilised them. (EDA: Kursaal, Seeing I)

Behind the scenes

 * Everlasting matches were first mentioned in the first Doctor Who novelisation Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks by David Whitaker. The Eternity Perpetual Company was first mentioned in Carnival of Monsters.