Unusual Antique Small Covered Metal Match Safe or Vesta with Spring Loaded Lid
Description: This is a very unusual and rather small vesta or match safe matchsafe. The piece is made of metal and then covered with a lightly textured material. We are not certain what the material could be but we feel it maybe some sort of leather. The small pocket match safe, matchsafe, or vesta has a flat spring-loaded hinged lid. The top of the vesta is not covered with the material and its back has the striker. The inside of the lid has a loop where the end of the spring is threaded to insure the lid snaps back in place after you open it and take a match out. The other end of the spring is exposed on the back over the striker. This unusual match safe is constructed of an unknown metal with most of the piece covered with the nonmetallic material. The lid itself has a small extension which extends beyond the body of the matchsafe to aid in opening it (acts like a thumb piece). The piece is in good condition and works just fine. The piece is soiled and the cover material has losses mostly along the top edge with a few small losses within the body. This nice small match safe is in good condition with a working lid and almost intact material cover. The match safe is unmarked and is of unknown origin. A great looking and unusual match safe worthy of a spot in your collection. Pleases carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown, but most likely late 1800s or early 1900s (late 19th century or early 20th century).
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~1 1/2" by ~1 1/4" by ~3/8" and weighs about half an ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An interesting and rather unusual match safe. It would make a great addition to your small box collection, matchsafe or tobacco/smoking related collection.
Condition: The vest is in overall good condition with no major problems. The hinged lid works great with the spring being intact and working great. The lid snaps back into place when released and closes tightly as it should. The match safe has no breaks and no repairs. The vesta has losses of the unknown textured surface cover material mostly along the top edge with a few spots through the body of the piece, all of which can be seen in the photos. The piece also exhibits some surface scratches, rubbing, and some minor and barely recognizable small dings. The piece is soiled on the interior and exterior. A nice and very unusual piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
Date: Unknown, but most likely late 1800s or early 1900s (late 19th century or early 20th century).
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~1 1/2" by ~1 1/4" by ~3/8" and weighs about half an ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An interesting and rather unusual match safe. It would make a great addition to your small box collection, matchsafe or tobacco/smoking related collection.
Condition: The vest is in overall good condition with no major problems. The hinged lid works great with the spring being intact and working great. The lid snaps back into place when released and closes tightly as it should. The match safe has no breaks and no repairs. The vesta has losses of the unknown textured surface cover material mostly along the top edge with a few spots through the body of the piece, all of which can be seen in the photos. The piece also exhibits some surface scratches, rubbing, and some minor and barely recognizable small dings. The piece is soiled on the interior and exterior. A nice and very unusual piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
