In Roman mythology, Vesta was the goddess of hearth, home and family, and her presence was symbolised by the sacred fire that burned at her hearth and temples, inspiring several match companies to name their matches "vestas", the best known around 1900 being the "Swan Vestas" brand.

Vesta cases, also known as match safes were made to safely house a person's supply of matches, required because early matches were prone to combustion, either from the friction of rubbing together or spontaneous ignition.

Vesta cases came into use in the 1830s, but the peak period of their popularity was 1890 to 1920.

Most commonly they are silver, and rectangular in shape, with an end-opening spring-loaded close fitting lid at the top and a ribbed or serrated striking surface on the base.

Collectors seek out novelty shapes that include boots and shoes, bottles, snuff horns, animal heads, hearts, and more...

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Hallmarked sterling silver group of six vesta cases monogrammed…

Sterling Silver Monogrammed Vesta Cases Collection

Hallmarked sterling silver group of six vesta cases monogrammed 'C.B.H' Birmingham, 1909 inscribed 'To W.A.L from G.B 1913' Birmingham, 1912, maker William hair Haseler Birmingham, 1914, maker J Howell & Co Ltd monogrammed 'Wsh' Chester, 1904, maker…

Sterling silver fob chain with large sterling silver vesta

Sterling Silver Vesta Fob Chain

Sterling silver fob chain with large sterling silver vesta

A Victorian small silver vesta case, engraved bird and floral…

Victorian Silver Vesta Case with Bird and Floral Engraving

A Victorian small silver vesta case, engraved bird and floral decoration to both sides. Birmingham 1880

An Edwardian silver vesta case, profusely engraved decoration…

Engraved Edwardian Silver Vesta Case, Chester 1908

An Edwardian silver vesta case, profusely engraved decoration to both sides, rectangular curved form. Chester 1908

Silver vesta and cigarette case

Silver Vesta & Cigarette Case Set

Silver vesta and cigarette case

An Edwardian period silver vesta case, circular form, profusely…

Engraved Silver Vesta Case, Chester 1905

An Edwardian period silver vesta case, circular form, profusely engraved to both sides with blank cartouche. Chester 1905

An early 20th century silver vesta box, plain rectangular form…

Silver Vesta Box with Great War Dedication

An early 20th century silver vesta box, plain rectangular form with circular cartouche to the front with standing maiden and engraved 'For Services Rendered in The Great War 1914-1918', requires some attention. Birmingham 1918

Victorian silver vesta, Birmingham 1892

Birmingham 1892 Victorian Silver Vesta

Victorian silver vesta, Birmingham 1892

Large silver vesta, Chester 1901

Chester 1901 Silver Vesta

Large silver vesta, Chester 1901

A silver match case, plain, marked C & C., sterling silver,…

Plain Sterling Silver Match Case with C & C Marking

A silver match case, plain, marked C & C., sterling silver, probably Australian

An Edwardian silver match case engraved with scrolls, Albert…

Edwardian Silver Match Case with Engraved Scrolls

An Edwardian silver match case engraved with scrolls, Albert Jackson, Birmingham 1907

A Victorian silver match case, oval cylindrical, plain, the…

Victorian Silver Match Case with Monogram and Crest

A Victorian silver match case, oval cylindrical, plain, the flat sprung cover engraved with monogram and crest, Wright & Davies, London 1885

A silver match case, plain, H. Matthews, Birmingham

Plain Silver Match Case by H. Matthews, Birmingham

A silver match case, plain, H. Matthews, Birmingham

A Victorian silver match case, Minshull & Latimer, Birmingham…

Victorian Silver Match Case by Minshull & Latimer

A Victorian silver match case, Minshull & Latimer, Birmingham 1896

A silver match case engraved with scrolls and with vacant…

Engraved Silver Match Case, Birmingham 1899

A silver match case engraved with scrolls and with vacant cartoucher, Rolason Bros, Birmingham 1899

Sterling silver curved vesta

Curved Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver curved vesta

An English Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, Birmingham,…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1912, R.C Maker

An English Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, Birmingham, 1912, maker R.C, 33 grms

A Victorian sterling silver vesta, Chester, makers marks rubbed…

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta from Chester (8 words)

A Victorian sterling silver vesta, Chester, makers marks rubbed 12 grms

An Australian silver match case, plain, initialled; Prouds, NSW,…

Plain silver match case with initials, Australia, c.1926

An Australian silver match case, plain, initialled; Prouds, NSW, c.1926

An Edwardian silver match case, plain; Birmingham 1905

Edwardian Silver Match Case, Birmingham 1905

An Edwardian silver match case, plain; Birmingham 1905

A late Victorian period large silver vesta box of oval section…

Engraved Silver Vesta Box, Birmingham 1900

A late Victorian period large silver vesta box of oval section with finely engraved decoration. Old repair. Birmingham 1900. Length 7 cm

An Edwardian period silver combination sovereign case/vesta box,…

Edwardian Silver Sovereign Case/Vesta Box

An Edwardian period silver combination sovereign case/vesta box, engraved decoration, with suspension loop. Chester 1903. Length 6.5 cm

An early 20th century silver heart shaped vesta case, profusely…

Engraved Heart-Shaped Silver Vesta Case 1912

An early 20th century silver heart shaped vesta case, profusely engraved to both sides, initials to front cartouche. Birmingham 1912. No suspension ring.

Sterling silver vesta Hallmarked Birmingham 1913

Birmingham 1913 Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta Hallmarked Birmingham 1913

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1905

Birmingham 1905 Sterling Silver Vesta Hallmarked

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1905

Two sterling silver vesta one with engraved decoration…

Pair of Sterling Silver Vesta Cases, Early 1900s

Two sterling silver vesta one with engraved decoration hallmarked Birmingham 1906, 3.9 cm high, together with another hallmarked Chester 1900, 6 cm high

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1908, 4.3 cm high

Birmingham 1908 Sterling Silver Vesta, 4.3cm High

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1908, 4.3 cm high

A Victorian silver match case engraved with scrolls and with…

Victorian Silver Match Case with Engraved Scrolls

A Victorian silver match case engraved with scrolls and with monogrammed cartouche; Chester 1898.

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Chester 1902

Chester 1902 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Chester 1902

Sterling silver match box cover with regimental crest,…

Regimental Crest Sterling Silver Match Box Cover

Sterling silver match box cover with regimental crest, Birmingham hallmark

Sterling silver rimmed table vesta

Silver Rimmed Table Vesta

Sterling silver rimmed table vesta

Sterling silver vesta

Silver Vesta for Stylish Accessory

Sterling silver vesta

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta Chester 1891-92

1891-92 Chester Sterling Silver Hallmarked Vesta

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta Chester 1891-92

A Victorian silver match case, plain rectangular; C.H.Cheshire,…

Victorian Silver Match Case by C.H. Cheshire, Birmingham 1890

A Victorian silver match case, plain rectangular; C.H.Cheshire, Birmingham 1890

A Victorian silver match case, double-hinged, engine-turned;…

Victorian Silver Match Case with Engine-Turned Design

A Victorian silver match case, double-hinged, engine-turned; retailed by J.S.Carlin, Gracechurch Street; London 1858

A Victorian silver match case engraved with leaf scrolls and…

Victorian Silver Match Case with Leaf Scroll Engraving

A Victorian silver match case engraved with leaf scrolls and with vacant cartouche; Birmingham 1894

A Victorian silver match case, engraved with birds and foliage…

Victorian Japonaiserie Silver Match Case by George Unite, 1883

A Victorian silver match case, engraved with birds and foliage in Japonaiserie style; George Unite, Birmingham 1883

Sterling silver vesta, Chester 1903

Chester 1903 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Chester 1903

Silver vesta case, Birmingham 1902

Birmingham 1902 Silver Vesta Case

Silver vesta case, Birmingham 1902

Silver vesta case, Chester 1909

Chester 1909 Silver Vesta Case

Silver vesta case, Chester 1909

Silver matchbox cover, Dunnings 925 Sterling

Dunnings Sterling Silver Matchbox Cover

Silver matchbox cover, Dunnings 925 Sterling

Sterling silver, large vesta

Large Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver, large vesta

Victorian silver vesta case, Birmingham 1915

Birmingham 1915 Silver Vesta Case

Victorian silver vesta case, Birmingham 1915

Sterling silver heart shaped vesta

Silver Heart Vesta

Sterling silver heart shaped vesta

Silver vesta case, Chester 1907

Chester 1907 Silver Vesta Case

Silver vesta case, Chester 1907

Silver vesta case, Chester 1902

Chester 1902 Silver Vesta Case

Silver vesta case, Chester 1902

Early Silver vesta case, Birmingham 1880

1880 Birmingham Silver Vesta Case

Early Silver vesta case, Birmingham 1880

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1904, JWK

Birmingham 1904 Sterling Silver Vesta by JWK

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1904, JWK

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester 1903

Chester 1903 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester 1903

Sterling silver vesta - crest of the clan McLeod Birmingham 1897

McLeod Clan Crest Sterling Silver Vesta 1897 Birmingham

Sterling silver vesta - crest of the clan McLeod Birmingham 1897

Sterling silver vesta Chester 1908

1908 Chester Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta Chester 1908

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1891

Birmingham 1891 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1891

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1905

Birmingham 1905 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1905

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1900

Birmingham 1900 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1900

Sterling silver vesta stamped STERLING to inside rim, 6.2 cm x…

Sterling Silver Vesta with STERLING Stamp, 6.2 x 3.8 cm

Sterling silver vesta stamped STERLING to inside rim, 6.2 cm x 3.8 cm

Two silver matchbox sleeves; Walker & Hall, one 1901. (2)…

Antique Silver Matchbox Sleeves by Walker & Hall (1901)

Two silver matchbox sleeves; Walker & Hall, one 1901. (2) length of larger 7.5 cm

Dutch silver container, vesta & Clog the vesta in the form of a…

Dutch Silver Vesta, Container & Clog Set

Dutch silver container, vesta & Clog the vesta in the form of a cow dated 1948. Length 7 cm. Weight 45g container with raised detail depicting children playing spinning tops to the lid & adults playing instruments & drinking to the interior. Length 5.8 cm…

A late-Victorian silver match case, engraved with leaf scrolls…

Victorian Silver Match Case with Rabbit Cameo

A late-Victorian silver match case, engraved with leaf scrolls and with applied rabbit (alert, alarmed) cameo; J.M.Banks, Chester 1900.

An American silver match case embossed with shells and scrolls;…

Shell and Scroll Sterling Silver Match Case

An American silver match case embossed with shells and scrolls; sterling.

Sterling silver & hardstone vesta case, Birmingham 1897 maker…

Sterling Silver & Hardstone Vesta Case by James Fenton

Sterling silver & hardstone vesta case, Birmingham 1897 maker James Fenton

Sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1912, maker Charles S Green co.…

Birmingham 1912 Sterling Silver Vesta with Match Box Cover

Sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1912, maker Charles S Green co. Ltd with a sterling silver match box cover (2)

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1901

1901 Birmingham Hallmarked Silver Vesta

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1901

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1908

Birmingham 1908 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1908

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1898

Birmingham 1898 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1898

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1901

Birmingham 1901 Sterling Silver Vesta

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1901

An Edwardian silver match case, engraved with leaves and with…

Edwardian Silver Match Case with Engraved Leaves and Dedication

An Edwardian silver match case, engraved with leaves and with edication 'To Fred from Bess'; Joseph Gloster, Birmingham 1906

Antique sterling silver vesta,

Antique Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Antique sterling silver vesta,

Cased set of 4 sterling silver matchbox covers, by Mappin &…

Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Matchbox Covers Set (1939)

Cased set of 4 sterling silver matchbox covers, by Mappin & Webb, hallmarked Birmingham 1939.

A late-Victorian silver match case, plain; Minshull & Latimer,…

Late-Victorian silver match case by Minshull & Latimer

A late-Victorian silver match case, plain; Minshull & Latimer, Birmingham 1895

Three silver plate vesta boxes, (3) two English early 20th…

Set of Three Antique Silver Vesta Boxes

Three silver plate vesta boxes, (3) two English early 20th century, Third with button opening by Waterbury Mfg. Co. Conn. USA

Leather pouch vesta box, (2) silver Striker in top1880s,…

Antique Vesta Box and Strikers with Spanish Book Cover

Leather pouch vesta box, (2) silver Striker in top1880s, impressed insignia: 'English Made Warrented' and second box leather Cocered cardboard of book form with impressed figures 'Dancer & Musician' 'El Baile' to spine, Spanish, early 20th century

Stylish 'Art Deco' silver plate vesta box, (2). Stylish 'Art…

Art Deco Silver Plate Vesta Boxes (Set of 2)

Stylish 'Art Deco' silver plate vesta box, (2). Stylish 'Art Deco' silver plate vesta box, (2) Grooved Striker as base marked 'Saillard Aine, Besancon, France, Early 20th century. a Silver Plate on Brass 'Lady's Boot' box (l. 8 cm) Striker on heel,…

Sterling silver match box, probably for cigar caps, by William…

William Neal's Sterling Silver Match Box, London 1853

Sterling silver match box, probably for cigar caps, by William Neal, London 1853.

Sterling silver vesta box, engraved 'Leaf & Flower' decoration,…

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta Box by J. Hayes Taylor

Sterling silver vesta box, engraved 'Leaf & Flower' decoration, side opening, by J. Hayes Taylor, Birmingham 1879.

A novelty sterling silver vesta box, 'Sea Shell' form Hibbard &…

Sterling Silver Sea Shell Vesta Box, Birmingham 1881

A novelty sterling silver vesta box, 'Sea Shell' form Hibbard & Thompson, Birmingham 1881.

Early Austrian silver match box, lid with two compartments,…

Austrian Silver Match Box with Dual Compartments (1846)

Early Austrian silver match box, lid with two compartments, Vienna, possibly 1846 (mark rubbed) 812.5/1000 std.

Heavy Chinese silver (90) vesta box, cast 'Floral' decoration.…

Chinese Silver Floral Vesta Box, Shanghai C 1900

Heavy Chinese silver (90) vesta box, cast 'Floral' decoration. Luen Hing, Shanghai C 1900.

A figurative vesta box, 'Horse & Rider'. 800 standard silver,…

Netherland Import Horse & Rider Vesta Box

A figurative vesta box, 'Horse & Rider'. 800 standard silver, Netherland import mark on lip probably French origin late 19th century.

Figurative German silver vesta box, embossed 'Village Scene',…

Embossed German Silver Vesta Box with Village Scene

Figurative German silver vesta box, embossed 'Village Scene', plated interior slide, late 19th century. 925 silver.

Heavy Stirling silver vesta box, 'Art Nouveau' decoration, by…

William Neill Art Nouveau Silver Vesta Box, Birmingham 1893

Heavy Stirling silver vesta box, 'Art Nouveau' decoration, by William Neill, Birmingham, 1893.

Stirling silver match Safe (box) Circumference 6 cm, embossed…

Stirling silver match Safe (box) Circumference 6 cm, embossed 'Floral' pattern. 'Patent Appl. For', c1900, USA.

Stirling silver vesta box, plain with compass (brass) inset. By…

William Gibson & John Langman Silver Vesta Box

Stirling silver vesta box, plain with compass (brass) inset. By William Gibson & John Langman, London 1894 (marks rubbed)

Stirling silver vesta box, shaped 'Puzzle' opening, by Minshull…

Puzzle Vesta Box by Minshull & Latimer, 1896

Stirling silver vesta box, shaped 'Puzzle' opening, by Minshull & Latimer, Birmingham. 1896.

Sterling silver vesta box, shaped, embossed 'Art Nouveau' by…

Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Vesta Box by William Mathews

Sterling silver vesta box, shaped, embossed 'Art Nouveau' by William Mathews, Birmingham, 1900.

Sterling silver vesta box, 'Art Nouveau' patterned 'Pebble'…

Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Vesta Box by James Fenton

Sterling silver vesta box, 'Art Nouveau' patterned 'Pebble' decoration by James Fenton, Birmingham 1902

Heavy Stirling silver vesta box oblong with shaped rim, by J…

J. Wilmot Sterling Silver Vesta Box, Birmingham 1905

Heavy Stirling silver vesta box oblong with shaped rim, by J Wilmot, Birmingham, 1905. (65g)

Stirling silver vesta box, embossed figure of 'Golfer' by E.C.…

Embossed Golfer Sterling Silver Vesta Box (1907)

Stirling silver vesta box, embossed figure of 'Golfer' by E.C. Birmingham 1907

Stirling silver vesta box, 'Secessionist' design by Winifred…

Winifred Green's Secessionist Sterling Silver Vesta Box (1907)

Stirling silver vesta box, 'Secessionist' design by Winifred green for Charles S green & Co., Birmingham, 1907.

Stirling silver vesta box, quality plain round form by S.…

S. Mordon & Co. Stirling Silver Vesta Box (1902)

Stirling silver vesta box, quality plain round form by S. Mordon & Co., London 1902.

Three sterling silver vesta boxes, (3) early 20th century,…

Three Large Birmingham Sterling Silver Vesta Boxes

Three sterling silver vesta boxes, (3) early 20th century, large size,by Birmingham makers, Henry Williamson,1900, J. Gloster Ltd., 1909 and H. Matthews, 1920

Modern copy of an American vesta case, (2) 925 sterling and…

Sterling Silver Match Case with Import Marks

Modern copy of an American vesta case, (2) 925 sterling and large Stirling silver match case, probably jewellery, London import marks, D.S. 2000, European.

Stirling silver matchbox, rectangular form, plain, hinged lid…

Engraved Silver Matchbox with Inscription, 1899

Stirling silver matchbox, rectangular form, plain, hinged lid with inscription; D.J. McL to W.C.F./ 31.7.99. 'A Matchless White Man', marked ; RAYSMITH, STG. SILVER for Thos. Raysmith, Newcastle, NSW.

Stirling silver matchbox, rectangular, plain / hinged lid with…

Edward Sansome Stirling Silver Matchbox with Initials

Stirling silver matchbox, rectangular, plain / hinged lid with initials 'H K G' striker on base, mark: 'E.S' for Edward Sansome, Sydney and ST. SILVER. Circa 1890-1900.