Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Match Safe Vesta By Webster Co Floral Design
Description: Antique pocket sterling silver match safe, matchsafe, or vesta made by the Webster Company of North Attleboro Massachusetts. This beautiful Art Nouveau match safe has a raised design depicting a large flower with curved lines around it which would be stylized leaves on both sides. The match safe has a hinged lid on top and has the usual striker for the matches on the bottom. The lid hinge works well and snaps in place when closing it, as it should. This small match safe has plain shaped sides and is heavily tarnished, but we chose not to clean it and we leave that decision to the new owner. 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: Uncertain, but sometime between late 1890s and early 1900s.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~2 1/4" by ~1 1/4" by ~5/16" and weighs about 11.6 grams.
Maker: Webster Company.
Marks: Marked "Sterling" followed by a "W" within an oval with an arrow going through it, which is the Webster Company of North Attleboro of Massachusetts mark, on both sides of the inside lip where the lid rests.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An interesting antique match safe. It would make a great addition to your small box collection, matchsafe, or tobacco/smoking related collection.
Condition: The match safe is in very good used condition with no problems. The hinged lid works great and closes as it should. The matchsafe has no breaks or repairs. The vesta has a few minor surface scratches and rubbing. It has some wear to the design and is heavily soiled. We have chosen not tyo clean it and we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. A great piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
