Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Match Safe Vesta Case - 1903
Fine quality antique Vesta case crafted in Sterling Silver and hallmarked for manufacture in 1903.
Crafted by Thomas James Skelton - Vyse Street Birmingham, and assayed at the Birmingham office with full hallmarks as such.
Engraved with a particularly pretty scrolling foliate pattern to both front and back, and to the centre of the front panel a shield shaped with initial’s we cannot quite decipher, in very intricate style. Inside reveals a gilt washed interior, just a lovely added touch of quality.
Measuring a very wearable 4.0cm x 2.7cm, this heavy piece - 17 grams - would make a lovely ‘keep sake’ to which treasured momento, dried flowers or perhaps a secret note could be inserted and worn close to ones heart!
STONES
None
MEASUREMENTS
4cm x 2.7cm
WEIGHT
17.4 Grams
MARKS
Anchor For Birmingham / Lion passant for Sterling / ‘d’ for 1903
‘TJS’ - For manufacture by Thomas James Skelton - Vyse Street Birmingham
CONDITION
Very very good antique condition. Opens and closes very tightly with a snap. No dents. Original heavy gauge jump ring. Lovely gilt gold wash to inside. Hallmarks crisp.
Please note boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.
HISTORY OF VESTA CASES
A vesta case, or simply a “vesta”, is a small box made to house wax, or "strike anywhere", match. The first successful friction match appeared in 1826, and in 1832 William Newton patented the "wax vesta" in England.
It consisted of a wax stem with embedded cotton threads and a tip of phosphorus. Newton named his matches after ‘’Vesta, the Roman goddess of fire and the hearth. Small containers to house these friction matches were introduced shortly afterwards (in the early 1830s), to guard against accidental combustion.
In England these containers took their name from the term Newton used for his invention, and they became known as "vesta cases", "vesta boxes" or simply "vestas". In America the more prosaic yet more descriptive term "match safes" was chosen.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
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Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
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