Birmingham 1912 English hallmarked solid silver engraved and curved vesta or matchsafe with line engraving, by William Hair Haseler, and with match strike to lower edge.
William H. Haseler were the manufacturers for the London firm Liberty & Company. Liberty insisted on anonymity for its designers.
Vesta cases are airtight cases made to contain short friction matches and keep them safe and dry. They were made in many materials, and some in precious metals like this one, usually with gilt linings, to protect against corrosion from the match heads. They were widely made and used from 1890-1920. Many had a loop attached, like this one, to attach to an Albert chain. Now, they are very collectable and interesting small antique silver items.
This shape, with curved back, was meant to fit comfortably into a vest pocket, curving into the body.
Weight- 25 grams.
Size- 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches.
With tight hinge closure, good weight and very clear hallmarks.
With just so
...me very light surface scratching, this is in very good condition.
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Internal Reference: 4298
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA31322
Dateline of this antique is 1910
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