Silver Vestas

June 13, 2009 by Thomas Howard
Filed under Vestas - Matchsafes

Vesta Cases, also known simply as Vestas or Matchsafes, are named for "Vesta" the Roman goddess of home and hearth. Prior to the twentieth century, matches were known as vestas and since they were highly flammable (much more so than today's "safety" matches) it was necessary to carry them in a case for safety and to keep them dry. The inside of the case would often be gilded or washed with gold to protect the silver from the sulfur in the head of the match which would corrode the silver on contact. Never attempt to polish the inside of a vesta as you can easily damage the thin gold wash if present.

Vesta cases were most popular between the 1850's and the 1940's. They were carried mostly by men on a "double Albert" chain and tucked into a waistcoat pocket along with a pocket watch. Many vestas have loops for the chain attachment. It was the invention of the pocket lighter that signaled the decline in popularity of the vesta case. It's no mistake that the classic Zippo lighter looks like a vesta case.

Vesta cases can be found in all shapes and sizes and made from many types of materials. The most common type is a simple small case with a loop for the chain, a spring lid and a strike on the base.

Hallmarks, if found, are usually on the inner lip of the main body which is hidden from view when the case is closed. The lid may also have hallmarks and they should match those on the body of the case. English cases were made primarily in Birmingham, followed by London and Chester and by makers such as Joseph Gloster, Deakin & Francis, A & J Zimmermanm, C. Saunders and F. Shepard to name a few. See my Hallmark Resources page for more information on hallmarks.Vestas can plain or decorated in various ways including engraving, enameling or set with stones. The most common decorations are the initials of the case's original owner. Never attempt to remove these initials as you will invariably destroy the collectible value of the vesta.Combination vesta cases incorporate other functions such as a coin case, stamp case, pen knife, cigar cutter, or whistle in their design. Many novelty vesta cases were made that look like animals or a famous celebrity or were made to commemorate a special occasion.The strikes were often simply ridges pressed into the silver of the base but these would often wear smooth with repeated use so better models incorporated a steel plate soldered onto the base of the vesta.Vestas are in great demand by collectors so it is important to know what to look for when buying a vesta. Here is a list of things that can lower the value of a vesta:

* Damage to the lid or the case not shutting properly

* Missing spring causing the lid to not shut properly.

* Dents, especially in the corners

* Poor attempts to remove initials or inscriptions

* Unreadable hallmarks

* Splits in the silver along the natural seam as cases are generally made in two halves.

* Damaged or repaired enameling.

Collecting vestas is a fascinating hobby and prices vary widely giving everyone an opportunity to participate in owning these wonderful little boxes which were once a part of everyday life but are now rarely seen.

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