Antique Chromed Metals Match Safe or Vesta Raised Design Depicting Fox Hunt
Description: This is an antique pocket match safe, matchsafe or vesta made of a chromed metal. The match safe's body appears to be made of a ferrous metal (sticks to a magnet), brass on the top and bottom ends and has chromed brass panels attached to the sides. The match safe, which has seen quite a bit of use, has panels attached to its sides which have a raised design depicting a fox hunt. The image, which is also of chromed brass shows a hunter with a gun and a dog at his feet barking at a fox perched on a branch of a tree with fear in his eyes. There are many trees in the background suggesting a clearance in a forest. The match safe has the same design on both sides. The rectangular-shaped match safe has a hinged lid on one of the ends and a striker on the opposite end. The repoussé design of the hunt appears to be done on a separate brass plate that was chromed and attached to the sides of the box or vesta. Interesting construction and design. The hinge for the lid works well and closes tight. This match safe has obviously seen quite a bit of use as evidenced by the fact that the chroming is worn off and you can see the brass under it exposed in the body of the match safe and in the designs. In addition, the match safe is a bit curved in the middle. However, the piece is solid, intact with no breaks or repairs, and is complete with no losses. A very interesting match safe in relatively good condition to add to 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 1/4" by ~1 3/8" by ~3/8" and weighs slightly over one ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An interesting antique match safe. It would make a great addition to your small box collection, match safe collection, or tobacco/smoking related collection.
Condition: The match safe, is chromed brass and is in relatively good clean condition. The match safe or vesta is made of a chromed metal. The match safe's body appears to be made of a ferrous metal (sticks to a magnet), brass on the top and bottom ends and has chromed brass panels with the hunt design attached to the sides. The hinge for the lid works well and closes tight. This match safe has obviously seen quite a bit of use as evidenced by the fact that the chroming is worn off and you can see the brass and the ferrous components of the piece under it exposed. In addition, the match safe is a bit curved in the middle. It also has some surface scratches, some soiling, and general wear to the chromed exterior commensurate with the pieces age and utilitarian function. However, the piece is solid, intact with no breaks or repairs, and is complete with no losses. Because of the degree of wear to the surface, we are selling this piece AS IS at a fraction of its true value. Please see photos for additional condition information.
