Antique Sterling Silver Vesta Case

This item could also be used as a pendant. Silver Vesta or as the Americans call it, a match safe. This one is engraved all over with a leaf pattern, with a scroll on the front for the owner's initials - in this case "H.W." in flowing script. The striker for the match is underneath the case.  Hallmark for Chester 1903. Maker is E.J. Trevitt & Sons, Chester. Measurements:  35 mm high by 29 mm wide and 10 mm thick. Condition:  very good, slight thumb indentation to face, the spring release for th top is absent, but it opens and closes very well by friction. TW: 15g.                                   Before the invention of safety matches, wax matches were used, generally small - shorter than modern matches. They could be ignited on the heel of a shoe, or any slightly rough surface. Originally, they often caused fires in a gentleman's clothing, because the tips used to ignite when rubbing against each other - so, all vesta cases were made of material that would not ignite such as silver, brass, bronze or vulcanite, and a striker surface was provided.  Vesta was the match manufacturer, hence the name. 

ITEM REF. No:  E12597

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