Pretty Edwardian silver vesta case; of neat, oblong, rounded corner shape, with delightful floral scroll decoration and side suspension loop; vacant cartouche to front. Rare maker.

Birmingham. 1904. Benjamin Thomas Greening.

Length 4cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

4cm (1.57")

Width

2.5cm (0.98")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

George James Antiques has dated this Silver Engraved Vesta Case to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA779778

Dealers Internal Reference

28/1934

Dealers Notes

Postage; by Royal Mail Special Delivery free of charge for deliveries within UK; outside UK deliveries by quotation.

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All items are professionally packed prior to posting.

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Description

Pretty Edwardian silver vesta case; of neat, oblong, rounded corner shape, with delightful floral scroll decoration and side suspension loop; vacant cartouche to front. Rare maker.

Birmingham. 1904. Benjamin Thomas Greening.

Length 4cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

4cm (1.57")

Width

2.5cm (0.98")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Date of Manufacture

George James Antiques has dated this Silver Engraved Vesta Case to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA779778

Dealers Internal Ref

28/1934

About the Dealer

George James Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2007

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the George James Antiques Profile Page

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An oval sterling silver vesta case featuring hand-engraved foliate scrollwork, a blank central cartouche, a hinged lid, and a side suspension ring.

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Archive I

Antique Silver Vesta Case.

Archive II

Archive III

Archive IV

A vesta case, or match safe, is a small portable container produced primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to store friction matches safely. Popularised during the Victorian era, these compact cases typically feature a snap-hinged top and a textured striker plate built into the base or edge.

While vesta cases were constructed from brass, nickel, and vulcanite, fine examples were fashioned from solid sterling silver or silver plate. These silver versions frequently featured hand-engraved scrollwork, chased motifs, and an unengraved central cartouche intended for personalised initials.

Authentic silver vesta cases generally display official hallmarks, including a makers mark, purity mark, assay office stamp, and date letter. Additionally, genuine period pieces exhibit functional spring-loaded hinges and a distinct serrated or ribbed striking surface on the bottom rim.

A sterling silver vesta case can be displayed as a curio inside a glass-topped shadow box or styled on a tray on an office desk. Due to the built-in suspension ring, many collectors also wear them as unique pendants on a pocket watch chain or necklace.

Clean silver vesta cases using a soft, non-abrasive cotton cloth and a specialized silver polishing cream to remove tarnish build-up. Avoid submerging the piece in liquid cleaning solutions, as moisture can enter the internal spring mechanism and cause internal corrosion.

George James Antiques

Antique Silver Vesta Case.

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