Original Lucifer matches?

[PVT.Halfcock]

I recently got these as a graduation present from my neighbor who is an antique dealer. Im wondering if they're still usable? I figured i would ask here rather then waste one of these as I assume they are hard to find.

 

[7thWisconsin]

This is just a guess, but I think the chemicals would have degraded by now to a point where they may no longer light when struck.