Unusual and highly collectible vesta box (match safe as it is called in the USA) - probably French made, with front and back panels of banded agate.The sides are brass and feature a cross-hatching design. A little Fleur de Lis style borders edges the striker for the match. Vesta matches were wax matches, before the invention of the safety match. They had to be kept in a flame proof container, as they sometimes ignited when rubbing together. Item measures 7.25 cm long by 3 cm wide by around 2.5 cm thick.  A button on the side of the case releases the lid catch. which is under the striker.  The sides are prone to pop out, as there may have been a ledge on which the curved end panels would sit. This could be rectified by gluing a suitable ledge, as is used on the the side of the panels. You need to be close to a soft surface when grasping the case to be careful if one pops out..  This is a case for the collector of Vesta boxes.

ITEM REF. No:  E12196

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