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...

22 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Matchbox cars, eight in original boxes including 1912, Simplex,…

Matchbox cars, eight in original boxes including 1912, Simplex, 1909 Thomas flyabout, 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall, 1914 stutz etc

A pair of sterling silver Matchbox holders, engine turned…

1930s Sterling Silver Engine-Turned Matchbox Holders with London Hallmarks

A pair of sterling silver Matchbox holders, engine turned decorated both with London hallmarks 1933 and 1936, same manufacturer P and Bld

D.G.Bradman - Duncan's Matchbox labels c.1938-1950 (2), all…

D.G. Bradman's Australian Matchbox Labels (1938-1950)

D.G.Bradman - Duncan's Matchbox labels c.1938-1950 (2), all Australian Company, red & green labels, condition [2]

Badges & boxes: eclectic mostly military related group,…

Military-themed Badges and Boxes with Eclectic Mix

Badges & boxes: eclectic mostly military related group, Australian Commonwealth military Forces matchbox cover, trench-art aluminum matchbox cover made from part of Japanese Mitsubishi zero aeroplane, AIF 'Returned from active Service' badge, Ifb…

A collection of matchbox cars including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,…

Vintage Matchbox Car Collection: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and More

A collection of matchbox cars including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 1967 and later, comprising six pieces, the London double-decker bus 6 cm high, 11 cm wide, 3 cm deep

Late Victorian sterling silver matchbox case, hallmarked…

Victorian Silver Matchbox Case with Monogram

Late Victorian sterling silver matchbox case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1899, of rectangular form, engraved with monogram, raised on four ball feet, total weight 36gm, length 6 cm

Hermes Paris silver matchbox cover maker's mark to base, length…

Hermes Paris Silver Matchbox Cover

Hermes Paris silver matchbox cover maker's mark to base, length 8 cm, weight 114grams.

Edwardian sterling silver matchbox cover Birmingham 1908,…

Floral Sterling Silver Matchbox Cover, Birmingham 1908

Edwardian sterling silver matchbox cover Birmingham 1908, makers Lionel Smith and Company, embossed floral decoration, weight 10grams.

Edwardian sterling silver matchbox case, hallmarked Birmingham,…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Matchbox Case, Birmingham 1901

Edwardian sterling silver matchbox case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1901, H.G.F, of rectangular form, with central cartouche surrounded by scroll work, total weight 20gm, length 6.2 cm

Matchbox Y-12 1909 Thomas Flyabout Y-3 1910 Benz Limousine

Vintage Car Duo

Matchbox Y-12 1909 Thomas Flyabout Y-3 1910 Benz Limousine

Two sterling silver matchbox holders, hallmarked Birmingham…

Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Matchbox Holders

Two sterling silver matchbox holders, hallmarked Birmingham 1905 (7.5 cm wide) and 1902 (4.4 cm wide)

An Edward VII sterling silver matchbox cover, floral and scroll…

Floral Repousse Matchbox Cover with Vacant Shield, 1901

An Edward VII sterling silver matchbox cover, floral and scroll repousee decoration, vacant shield to front; Walker & Hall, Birmingham, 1901. Weight 23.3g.

A Stirling silver matchbox, lidded. Accommodates tray from a…

Engraved Stirling Silver Matchbox with Commercial Striker

A Stirling silver matchbox, lidded. Accommodates tray from a commercial box of matches, commercial striker fitted to side below the hinged lid, engraved with mongram 'T V' 5.10.19. Marked for W J Proud, Sydney.

Stirling silver matchbox, large rectangular form plain with…

Sterling Silver Matchbox by W.J. Sanders (1915-1920)

Stirling silver matchbox, large rectangular form plain with hinged lid, insctribed 'F.C.P.' grooved striker covers base. Makers mark for W.J. Sanders, circa 1915 - 1920. (2 x 6.4 x 3.2 cm).

Superior sterling silver matchbox, with garnets inset in lid in…

Garnet Southern Cross Matchbox by Hardy Bros Ltd

Superior sterling silver matchbox, with garnets inset in lid in the form of the 'Southern Cross' lid salso engraved with a capital 'N' and coronet above. Gold washed surface marked; Hardy Bros Ltd. STERLING SILVER on base . Makers mark for Edward Sansome,…

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.

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.

A 9ct gold and sterling silver lined book matchbox, plain,…

Gold and Silver Matchbox with Mock Crest (9ct/sterling, c.1927)

A 9ct gold and sterling silver lined book matchbox, plain, oblong, mock crest, by Dunklings Ltd., Melbourne, c. 1927.(0.13 mm)

A gold book matchbox engine turned decoration early 1920s,…

Gold Matchbox Engine Decoration from 1920s

A gold book matchbox engine turned decoration early 1920s, Magnus Goldring Inc. Edwin Harrop, Sydney. (27.5g)

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.

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

Silver matchbox cover, Dunnings 925 Sterling

Dunnings Sterling Silver Matchbox Cover

Silver matchbox cover, Dunnings 925 Sterling