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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1072597
FOR SALE
£4,950
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Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)
AC Silver
for sale €5,792     $6,287
£4,950
AC Silver

AC Silver

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2009
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Id #SA1072597
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Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)

19th century
For Sale by AC Silver
Description

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver and enamel sentry vesta case; an addition to our range of collectable silver cases.

This exceptional antique Victorian silver vesta case has a prismatic pentagon-shaped form, replicating the shape of a guard house.

The body of the antique vesta case is ornamented with an impressive arched hot enamel panel depicting a soldier from The Coldstream Guards.

The case is fitted with a hinged cover ornamented with engraved markings replicating the details of the guard house, incorporating the registration number 'RD 38283'.

The lower side of this sentry box bears a serrated panel/match striker.

The posterior surface and rounded sides of this impressive Victorian silver and enamel vesta case is plain and unembellished.

Such examples of sentry vesta cases are rare to the market; the renowned silversmith Sampson Mordan produced a series of vesta cases depicting 'Soldiers of the Queen' in honour of the Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Condition

This Victorian enamel box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The enamel panel is in perfect condition.

Full hallmarks struck to the sleeve of the case are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this exceptional Victorian silver and enamel sentry box/vesta case.

Dimensions

Width 2.8cm/1.1'

Height 6cm/2.36'

Depth 1cm/0.39'

Weight

0.8 troy ounces/26.3g

Maker: Sampson Mordan & Co (Sampson Mordan II)

Date: 1886

Origin: London, England

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
2.8cm (1.10")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Declaration

AC Silver has dated this Victorian Enamel Vesta Case to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1072597
Dealers Internal Reference
C8658
Dealers Notes

PLEASE NOTE: AC Silver takes pride in offering only quality items for sale.

This pride in quality includes the professional, efficient and personal service extended to all AC Silver customers.

All items purchased usually dispatched within 24 hours following cleared payment.

All items are professionally and securely packaged, sent FREE of charge and are FULLY INSURED during transit.

FREE worldwide international deliveries are via FedEx International Priority Service.

AC Silver is pleased to provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

Description
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver and enamel sentry vesta case; an addition to our range of collectable silver cases.
“
This exceptional antique Victorian silver vesta case has a prismatic pentagon-shaped form, replicating the shape of a guard house.
AC Silver
fig 1. A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)

The body of the antique vesta case is ornamented with an impressive arched hot enamel panel depicting a soldier from The Coldstream Guards.

The case is fitted with a hinged cover ornamented with engraved markings replicating the details of the guard house, incorporating the registration number 'RD 38283'.

fig 2. A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)

The lower side of this sentry box bears a serrated panel/match striker.

The posterior surface and rounded sides of this impressive Victorian silver and enamel vesta case is plain and unembellished.

Such examples of sentry vesta cases are rare to the market; the renowned silversmith Sampson Mordan produced a series of vesta cases depicting 'Soldiers of the Queen' in honour of the Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.

fig 3. A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)

Condition

This Victorian enamel box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The enamel panel is in perfect condition.

Full hallmarks struck to the sleeve of the case are all very clear.

fig 4. A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
fig 4. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this exceptional Victorian silver and enamel sentry box/vesta case.

Dimensions

Width 2.8cm/1.1'

Height 6cm/2.36'

Depth 1cm/0.39'

Weight

0.8 troy ounces/26.3g

Maker: Sampson Mordan & Co (Sampson Mordan II)

Date: 1886

Origin: London, England

A video is available upon request.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
2.8cm (1.10")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Date of Manufacture

AC Silver has dated this Victorian Enamel Vesta Case to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1072597
Dealers Internal Ref
C8658
AC Silver
AC Silver
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2009

Welcome to ac silver antique silver and antique jewellery specialists since 1977

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the AC Silver Profile Page

Trade Associations

AC Silver is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

Relevant Links
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SAVE
A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
1 / 12
Archive I A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)

Archive II A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View II
Archive III A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View III
Archive IV A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View IV
Archive V A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View V
Archive VI A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View IX
Archive X A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View X
Archive XI A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
AC Silver

AC Silver
Telephone 0191 240 2645
Location
35B St Georges Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE2 2SU
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ac
Verified Since Apr 2009
Items For Sale 459
Items Sold 103
AC Silver
AC Silver
Verified Since Apr 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: 35B St Georges Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 2SU, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ac
Verified
Apr 2009
For Sale
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A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Enamel Sentry Vesta Case (1886)
Ref: SA1072597
A Victorian sterling silver sentry box-shaped vesta case featuring a hand-painted enamel depiction of a soldier in a red uniform and bearskin hat.
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

A vesta case, also known as a match safe, is a small portable container designed to hold friction matches, known as vestas, which became popular during the nineteenth century. These compact cases were designed with a tight-fitting lid to keep matches dry and frequently featured a textured striking surface on the base.

Victorian vesta cases were commonly crafted from sterling silver, nickel, brass, or gold, often decorated with hand-applied enamel work, engraving, or repousse motifs. Internal mechanisms relied on spring hinges to secure the lid, while the bottom typically integrated a serrated or grooved match-striking strip.

Authentic British sterling silver vesta cases feature official hallmark stamps indicating the makers mark, purity mark, assay office, and date letter indicating the year of production. Original nineteenth-century enamelling typically demonstrates hand-painted precision with smooth glaze application and natural age-related patina on the surrounding metalwork.

A decorative vesta case can be displayed inside a glass shadow box, placed atop a stack of books on an office desk, or arranged within a curio tray alongside other metalwork accessories. It also serves as a conversational vignette piece on a mantelpiece or bookshelf display.

Clean silver areas using a soft, non-abrasive cotton cloth and a mild silver polishing compound, avoiding direct contact with enamelled surfaces. Enamel sections should be gently wiped with a damp microfibre cloth and kept away from extreme temperature fluctuations or impacts that could cause chipping.
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