Product Description

​Ornate Antique Victorian Gold-Filled Pocket Match Safe Vesta Case – Exquisite Hand-Engraved Flowering Monogram "HHL" – Inner Rim Stamped 117 ESSEX – Circa 1900

​Up for online auction is a magnificent piece of Gilded Age personal luxury: an original antique turn-of-the-century pocket match safe (vesta case). Masterfully crafted with a heavy gold-filled surface jacket over a solid structural chassis, the front face panel features a breathtaking example of period hand-bright-cut engraving, showcasing a large, highly decorative intertwined flowing script monogram reading "HHL".

​The reverse face is left plain, exhibiting a beautiful warm golden gleam and deep natural aging contrast (Photo #2).

​Collector Hallmarks & Pedigree:

The inner mating rim lip is clearly stamped with the factory design line code and manufacturer trademark block signature reading: 117 ESSEX (fully detailed in close-up Photos #6 & #7). A premier, high-grade centerpiece addition for advanced antique tobaccoriana enthusiasts, vestaphiles, or turn-of-the-century jewelry novelty collections.

​Item Specifics

​Brand/Silversmith Mark: Essex (117 Catalog Line Stamping)

​Era: Late Victorian to Edwardian (Circa 1890–1910)

​Composition: Gold-Filled / Gilt Tone over Base Metal Core

​Front Design: Hand-Cut Intricate Flowering Monogram "HHL"

​Functional Accents: Integrated Corrugated Striker Grid Base Floor

​Dimensions: Approximately 2.4 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide (Photo #8)

​Condition Report

​Exterior Casing Aesthetics: Very good antique condition. The heavy golden finish surface maintains a deep, rich luster with zero major base metal brassing or structural "bleed-through" on the high faces. Casing displays an honest field of fine surface handling marks, micro-scuffs, and minimal age tarnishing inside the monogram valleys (Photo #1). Free of heavy impact side-panel crushing, sharp edge dings, or unsightly flat spots. Both rounded edges retain excellent symmetry.

​Mechanism & Hinge Assembly: Tight and fully operational. The tiny external pin hinge loops hold structural alignment perfectly. Thanks to a pristine internal steel leaf spring bar (Photo #9), the spring-loaded lid mechanism remains highly active, popping open cleanly and snapping shut tightly with fantastic period tension.