This rare antique item is a HUTTON'S PINEAPPLE BRAND HAMS & BACON Vesta/Sovereign Coin Case from Australia. The item is made in Germany and designed on a silver plate over copper and is a collectible advertising piece.
It dates back to when such cases were commonly used to store matches or sovereigns. The branding of HUTTON'S PINEAPPLE BRAND HAMS & BACON suggests a connection to a historical brand of food products, adding to the uniqueness and collectibility of this item.
The business was founded by James Carruthers Hutton in 1873 in Preston, Melbourne.
The Ham and Bacon Factory at Zillmere opened in 1889. Part of the property continued to produce pineapples. Pineapple was used as a brand name.
8cm x 3cm
It is in a well-worn condition with an age-related patina; see the photos. Button to open the coin case must be pressed very firmly to open