Silver Plated Vesta Case with Embossed Scroll and Diagonal Rib Decoration
Silver-plated rectangular vesta case with rounded corners.
Raised diagonal ribs cover both principal faces.
Embossed scrolling foliate decoration fills the intervening bands.
A ribbed striking surface is incorporated into one narrow end.
The case has a hinged lid and reflective metal finish.
Approximate dimensions
Length: 42mm (1.65")
Condition
Areas of silver plate loss are present, revealing the warmer-coloured base metal beneath. The plate loss could potentially be improved by re-plating.
Description
A small rectangular silver-plated metal vesta case of rounded form, constructed with a hinged lid and an integral striking surface for matches.
Both principal faces are formed with a repeating diagonal relief pattern. Broad, smoothly rounded ribs alternate with narrower bands containing raised scrolling foliate ornament. The decoration consists of curved stems, tight scrolls and pointed leaf-like forms and continues around the rounded margins of the case.
A straight division across the upper portion defines the hinged lid, with small circular hinge fittings projecting at the sides. The interior is plain in comparison with the extensively decorated exterior.
One narrow end incorporates an elongated oval striking panel. Its surface is formed with numerous closely spaced transverse grooves intended for striking matches.
Vesta cases were small portable containers made to hold friction matches while protecting them in a pocket or bag. Examples with integral striking surfaces were particularly common during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when matches were widely carried for lighting tobacco, candles and domestic fires.
Object Type: Vesta Case
Era / Period: Late Victorian / Edwardian
Material: Metal
Finish: Silver Plated
Production Technique: Pressed Metal
Decoration Technique: Embossed Relief
Pattern: Diagonal Rib and Scroll
Style: Late Victorian / Edwardian
Vesta Case Silver Plated Embossed Scroll Diagonal Rib Match Safe