Antique Victorian Engraved Pocket Match Safe / Case - Fisherman Scene & Monogram
Up for purchase is a beautiful, highly collectible original Victorian era pocket match safe (vesta case) or compact calling card case. This elegant estate find features highly detailed hand-engraving on both faces. The front features a stunning, scenic pictorial cartouche depicting a tranquil riverside landscape, complete with a fisherman in a rowboat, a large weeping willow tree, and a country church with a towering steeple. The reverse face features a beautifully flowing, stylized rococo cartouche housing a masterfully hand-cut cursive script family monogram that reads: "B. M. McCoy".
Both sides are framed by clean diagonal pinstripes, wavy patterns, and star-burst geometric accent borders. The outer frame features a lovely scalloped edge silhouette design. This classic piece of Gilded Age Americana carries exceptional antique charm, making it a standout addition to any advanced vintage tobacciana display case, advertising collection, or turn-of-the-century vanity showcase.
Item Specifications
Era / Period: Late Victorian / Gilded Age (Circa 1880–1900)
Material: Plated Metal / White Metal Alloy (No visible silver hallmarks, sold as-is)
Front Design: Hand-Etched Pictorial Landscape (Fisherman, Boat, Church & Tree)
Reverse Design: Hand-Scribed "B. M. McCoy" inside a Rococo Scroll Frame
Edge Style: Decorative Scalloped / Fluted Borders
Approximate Dimensions: 3.50 Inches Length x 2.35 Inches Width
Approximate Thickness: Slim pocket design (Approx. 0.35 Inches)
Condition Report
Cosmetic Engraving Condition: Excellent antique condition. The intricate landscape etching on the front and the script monogram on the reverse remain incredibly sharp, deep, and beautifully defined.
Surface & Patina: The white metal surface displays an authentic aged look with normal overall surface handling micro-scuffs, light pocket storage wear, and a nice subtle tarnish/darker oxidation built up in the recessed valleys of the artwork, which beautifully accentuates the bright-cut contrast.
Hinge & Closure Function: The top flip-cap lid hinge is completely straight, stable, and intact with no loose wobble. The cap closes down tightly and sits completely flush against the main case body frame, locking with solid structural alignment.