Antique Sterling Silver Match Safe or Vesta Repousse Escutcheon and Scroll Design
Description: Antique pocket match safe, matchsafe or vesta made of a sterling silver. This match safe has a raised or repousse design depicting escutcheons on both sides with the escutcheons having a scroll or a plant draped on the top. The match safe has the letter B engraved into the escutcheon on one side bit not the other. The repousse design is also evident on the inside. The match safe has a hinged lid which also has raised smaller escutcheon surrounded by a scroll on both sides. The matchsafe has a striker for the matches on the bottom. The lid hinge works well and closes tight. The match safe is intact but has many dings and scratches. However, it still looks good and worthy of a spot in your collection. Pleases carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain, but sometime between late 1800 and early 1900s.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~2 1/2" by ~1 1/2" and it is ~1/4" in thickness. The vesta weighs slightly over half an ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked STERLING followed by a mark which we cannot make out (possibly the maker) and we are unfamiliar with.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice antique match safe. It would make a good addition to your small box collection, matchsafe, or tobacco/smoking related collection.
Condition: The match safe is sterling silver and is in good clean condition. The hinged lid works great and closes tightly as it should. The matchsafe has no breaks or repairs. The vesta has many dings, which can be seen in the photos, as well as scratches throughout. It also has some soiling and general wear to the exterior commensurate with its age and utilitarian function. Because of the issues discussed above, we are selling the match safe AS IS at a fraction of its true value. Please see photos for additional condition information.
