Antique Sterling Silver Vesta Match Safe by Minshull and Latimer 1899

An antique Victorian vesta case match safe in sterling silver by Minshull and Latimer of Birmingham, date marked for 1899. The rounded rectangular form is decorated with chased leaves on either side with an unmonogrammed cartouche suitable for engraved personalization, if desired. The upper rim of the body bears full hallmarks beginning with the M & L maker’s mark for Minshull and Latimer followed by the city mark of Birmingham, sterling silver, and an 1899 date mark. The inside of the lid bears additional marks for sterling silver and the date (1899). Very good condition with a tight hinge and a strike plate on the base, measuring 1 88 in. height (closed) x 1.38 in. width x 0.5 depth. No monogram.

Small and elegant match safes—also known as vesta cases, vesta boxes, or pocket match safes—were used to keep short matches safe and dry. Many cases were designed with a ribbed strike plate to assist with lighting a match. The decorative boxes reached their peak popularity at the end of the 19th century through 1920.