~ Chester 1905 Sterling Silver Vesta Case ~
A sterling silver vesta case, or match safe, of plain rounded rectangular form with a hinged lid and a suspension ring to one corner for attaching to an Albert watch chain. The serrated striker runs along the base edge. The body is undecorated, with no engraved monogram or crest, relying on clean lines and the quality of the silver for its appeal. Hallmarked for Chester, 1905. The piece is fully hallmarked.
Historical context
The vesta case takes its name from Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth, and was made to carry the short friction matches known as vestas safely in the pocket, the ribbed striker on the base serving to light them. These cases were ubiquitous personal accessories from the 1880s through to the 1920s, very often worn on a gentleman's watch chain by means of a suspension ring, exactly as here, and they fell out of use as the petrol cigarette lighter took over. Chester was one of the four main English assay offices of the period, and a great many Birmingham and Chester makers turned out plain and decorated vestas in large numbers, which is why the date letter gives such a precise year of assay.
~ Condition ~
Please refer to the images for the condition.
~ Dimensions ~
The piece is 4.8 cm (1.9 inches) tall.
