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Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta
Sold by The Silver Cabinet
sold SA1197850
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

The Silver Cabinet

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2014
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Id #SA1197850
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Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta

1940 - 1960
Sold 25 February 2026 · The Silver Cabinet
This “Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta” found a buyer.

It was listed by The Silver Cabinet. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Memento Mori AntiqueSterling Vesta Case Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

These don't come along very often! A solid silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta Case.

This one is Continental, marked for 800 silver, a less pure form of silver compared to sterling at 92.5% purity. There is no maker's mark. The branch on which skeleton sits is engraved 'Milo'. The base opens to form the box for matches and the striker is on the bottom. The skeleton is wonderfully detailed and is sitting in the 'thinker' pose.

Without a maker's mark, it is not possible to date this item. It may be Victorian but for the sake of transparency it has been dated more recently.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.5cm

Width: 3.5cm

Depth 2cm

Silver Weight: 84g.

Complimentary gift wrapping is available on request.

Post and packaging are free within the UK. Overseas buyers please e-mail for postage costs and please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying.

Date of Manufacture

The Silver Cabinet has dated this Silver Skeleton Vesta to the 1950s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
7.5cm (2.95")
Width
3.5cm (1.38")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1197850
Dealers Internal Reference
C849
Description
These don't come along very often! A solid silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta Case.
“
This one is Continental, marked for 800 silver, a less pure form of silver compared to sterling at 92.
The Silver Cabinet

5% purity. There is no maker's mark. The branch on which skeleton sits is engraved 'Milo'. The base opens to form the box for matches and the striker is on the bottom. The skeleton is wonderfully detailed and is sitting in the 'thinker' pose.

fig 1. An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base.
fig 1. Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta

Without a maker's mark, it is not possible to date this item. It may be Victorian but for the sake of transparency it has been dated more recently.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.5cm

Width: 3.5cm

Depth 2cm

Silver Weight: 84g.

fig 2. An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base.
fig 2. Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta

Complimentary gift wrapping is available on request.

Post and packaging are free within the UK. Overseas buyers please e-mail for postage costs and please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying.

Date of Manufacture

The Silver Cabinet has dated this Silver Skeleton Vesta to the 1950s.

Height
7.5cm (2.95")
Width
3.5cm (1.38")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1197850
Dealers Internal Ref
C849
The Silver Cabinet
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2014
Dealer Profile

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

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An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta

Archive II An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. View II
Archive III An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. View III
Archive IV An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. View IV
Archive V An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. View V
Archive VI An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. View VI
Archive VII An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base. View VII
Enlarged Archival View

The Silver Cabinet
Telephone 07934 622 773
Location
West Midlands
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/thesilvercabinet
Verified Since May 2014
Items For Sale 122
Items Sold 588
The Silver Cabinet
Verified Since May 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/thesilvercabinet
Verified
May 2014
For Sale
122
Sold
588
An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base.
Antique Silver Memento Mori Skeleton Vesta
Ref: SA1197850
An antique silver vesta case shaped as a skeleton seated on a tree stump, with a hinged base.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectVesta Cases & Matchsafes
  • Period1940 - 1960
  • StyleVictorian & Gothic
  • MaterialSterling Silver
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsFigural skeleton, Tree stump base, Hinged lid, Cast detailing
  • SizeH 7.5 cm (3 in) x W 3.5 cm (1 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

FAQs

A memento mori vesta case is a pocket container for matches, featuring symbolic motifs intended to remind the owner of human mortality.

Antique vesta cases were predominantly crafted from sterling silver, brass, or base metal, often produced using casting and stamping techniques.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit period hallmarks, natural patination from handling, and hand-finished details characteristic of early manufacturing methods.

Such pieces function well as cabinet of curiosities focal points, displayed alongside books or on mantelpieces to add historical contrast.

Antique silver should be cleaned sparingly with a non-abrasive silver cloth to maintain the desirable aged patina without damaging the metal surface.
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