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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Late 19th century sterling silver vesta case decorated with 'C'…

C-Scroll Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Late 19th century sterling silver vesta case decorated with 'C' scroll relief

Two Australian silver vesta boxes, Tilbary and Lewis, etc

Australian Silver Vesta Boxes by Tilbary and Lewis

Two Australian silver vesta boxes, Tilbary and Lewis, etc

Victorian sterling silver vesta case, Birmingham 1878

Victorian Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1878

Victorian sterling silver vesta case, Birmingham 1878

Sterling silver vesta case

Silver Vesta Case for Stylish Storage

Sterling silver vesta case

Sterling silver vesta

Silver Vesta for Stylish Accessory

Sterling silver vesta

Antique silver vesta and sovereign case, engraved sovereign…

Engraved Silver Vesta and Sovereign Case Set

Antique silver vesta and sovereign case, engraved sovereign case, missing catch, some dents, and guilloche vesta with engraved initials, minor dent, hallmarked Birmingham 1926, size 46.5 x 34 mm, total wt. 36.97g.

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham 1903

1903 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham 1903

A sterling silver mounted crocodile skin vesta case, Birmingham,…

Sterling Silver Crocodile Skin Vesta Case, Birmingham 1903

A sterling silver mounted crocodile skin vesta case, Birmingham, 1903, length 5.5 cm, width 4 cm

Two antique sterling silver vesta cases, one by unidentified…

Antique Sterling Silver Golf Vesta Cases

Two antique sterling silver vesta cases, one by unidentified maker, marked a a with a horse's head and 925, early 20th century; the other James Deakin & Sons, Chester, 1914, both of typical rounded rectangular form, the first repousse decorated to each…

Hallmarked sterling silver cigarette case, Birmingham 1933.…

Sterling Silver Cigarette and Vesta Cases

Hallmarked sterling silver cigarette case, Birmingham 1933. Together with a hallmarked sterling silver vesta case, Birmingham 1906. W172g (total)

Three hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1911,…

Set of Three Sterling Silver Vesta Cases

Three hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1911, maker's mark 'Csg & Co' (38g); Birm. 1907, maker's mark rubbed (42g); & Birm. 1908, maker's mark 'Th' (30g)

Two Victorian sterling silver vesta cases, 1874 and 1875…

Pair of Gothic Revival Sterling Silver Vesta Cases

Two Victorian sterling silver vesta cases, 1874 and 1875 Birmingham, both with maker's marks for Frederick Marson, both decorated in the Gothic revival manner with foliate decorations within, shaped forms and enclosed by chevron borders, both hallmarked,…

An Australian sterling silver cylinder vesta box with slip-on…

Australian Sterling Silver Cylinder Vesta Box, 1930s

An Australian sterling silver cylinder vesta box with slip-on lid Grooved striker to base, probably AUSTN. C.1930s.

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.

Large silver vesta, Chester 1901

Chester 1901 Silver Vesta

Large silver vesta, Chester 1901

Victorian sterling silver oval vesta engraved decoration,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Oval Vesta with Engraved Decoration

Victorian sterling silver oval vesta engraved decoration, initialed Aa, hallmarked Birmingham 1894. 3.5 cm high.

Edwardian sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1906. 3.8…

Edwardian Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta (3.8cm)

Edwardian sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1906. 3.8 cm high

Edward VII sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1902, maker Arthur…

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta with Monogram, 1902

Edward VII sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1902, maker Arthur Cook, engraved decoration, monogrammed. Weight 23grams

A Victorian silver vesta case, scrolled foliate decoration,…

Victorian Silver Vesta Case with Foliate Decoration

A Victorian silver vesta case, scrolled foliate decoration, engraved cartouche, William Neale & Sons, Chester, 1900.

A silver vesta case, embossed with a golfing scene.

Golfing Vesta Case

A silver vesta case, embossed with a golfing scene.

A George V silver vesta case, scrolled engraving, vacant…

Engraved George V Silver Vesta Case

A George V silver vesta case, scrolled engraving, vacant cartouche; Smith & Bartlam, Chester, 1910. Weight 23.8g.

An Australian silver cylinder match case with revolving cover,…

Australian Silver Match Case with Revolving Cover

An Australian silver cylinder match case with revolving cover, rope edge and steel strike-plate. Height 3.2 cm

Sterling silver vesta case, engraved foliate decorations,…

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1918

Sterling silver vesta case, engraved foliate decorations, hallmarked Birmingham 1918

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham hallmarked 1900

1900 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham hallmarked 1900

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case with stamp holders,…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Stamp Holders

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case with stamp holders, hallmarked Birmingham 1908

Hallmarked silver round vesta Chester hallmark 1903

Chester Hallmarked Silver Round Vesta 1903

Hallmarked silver round vesta Chester hallmark 1903

Large sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1912

Birmingham 1912 Sterling Silver Vesta

Large sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1912

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1904, JWK

Birmingham 1904 Sterling Silver Vesta by JWK

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1904, JWK

Two sterling silver vesta cases, one with engraved decoration…

Two sterling silver vesta cases, one with engraved decoration the other with an engraved monogram

A silver vesta case, Birmingham 1904

Birmingham 1904 Silver Vesta Case

A silver vesta case, Birmingham 1904

.925 sterling vesta formed as a jockey cap

Sterling Jockey Cap Vesta

.925 sterling vesta formed as a jockey cap

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

Australian sterling silver vesta box, by Prouds

Australian Sterling Silver Vesta Box by Prouds

Australian sterling silver vesta box, by Prouds

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1900

Birmingham 1900 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1900

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

A sterling silver vesta with engraved detail, Birmingham, 1877.…

A sterling silver vesta with engraved detail, Birmingham, 1877. Wt 12 grams

Sterling silver vesta vase, hallmarked Birmingham 1903

1903 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Vase

Sterling silver vesta vase, hallmarked Birmingham 1903

Sterling silver vesta case embossed with mermaid figure

Mermaid Embossed Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case embossed with mermaid figure

An Edwardian silver vesta case, finely engraved case with…

An Edwardian silver vesta case, finely engraved case with vacant cartouche, hallmarked Birmingham 1906, maker W H Hasler, size 38 x 28 mm, wt, 16.29g.

Two English sterling silver items, comprising table match case,…

English Sterling Silver Table Match Case and Small Toast Rack

Two English sterling silver items, comprising table match case, hallmarked Chester, 1904, Bpdc (boots pure Drug Company), 3 cm x 8.5 cm x 5 cm, and a small toast rack hallmarked Birmingham, 1885, Jd/Wd (James Deakin & Sons), 8 cm x 8 cm, total combined…

George V sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham, 1912,…

George V Silver Vesta with Engraved Initials

George V sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham, 1912, makers mark rubbed, of slender form, engraved D.I.R, total weight 20gm, height 4.5 cm

Victorian sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked, Birmingham,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1891

Victorian sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1891with circular flip lid, gilt interior and cork surround, height 4.5 cm

Antique Sterling silver vesta with bright cut engraved flowers.…

Engraved Flower Vesta by Walker & Hall, Chester

Antique Sterling silver vesta with bright cut engraved flowers. Hallmarked for Walker & Hall, Chester. C.1911. Approx 31g

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.

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.

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)

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.

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 silver vesta case, circular shaped, lightly engraved, stamped…

Engraved Circular Silver Vesta Case - 25g (925 Stamp)

A silver vesta case, circular shaped, lightly engraved, stamped 925. Weight 25grams.

A Victorian silver plated vesta case, depicting the 13th Duke…

Victorian Silver Vesta Case with Duke of Swinburne Portrait

A Victorian silver plated vesta case, depicting the 13th Duke of Swinburne, by J.A. Harrington bird.

Victorian sterling silver vesta case

Victorian Silver Vesta Case

Victorian sterling silver vesta case

Antique antipodean silver vesta marked with a un ascribed STG…

Antique Australian Silver Vesta with Unidentified STG Mark

Antique antipodean silver vesta marked with a un ascribed STG mark. Approx width 33 mm, weight 20 grams

Sterling silver sovereign & vesta case hallmarked Birmingham…

Birmingham 1924 Sterling Silver Sovereign & Vesta Case

Sterling silver sovereign & vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1924, with matches. 7 cm by 3 cm. Scratched inscription, small dents, ring loose.

Sterling silver vesta and buckle the vesta hallmarked…

Antique Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta and Buckle

Sterling silver vesta and buckle the vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1902, maker: T Beardsmore, the buckle hallmarked Birmingham 1886, maker: Thomas Hayes

George V sterling silver vesta on chain marked Chester 1913 to…

George V Sterling Silver Vesta on Chain (Chester, 1913)

George V sterling silver vesta on chain marked Chester 1913 to vesta and sterling to chain. Approx size 36 mm width, weight 39 grams

A silver vesta case by William Neale & Son, Sheffield, 1897.…

1897 Sheffield Silver Vesta Case by William Neale & Son

A silver vesta case by William Neale & Son, Sheffield, 1897. Weight:

A silver match case engraved with scrolls and with vacant…

Engraved Silver Match Case, Birmingham 1913

A silver match case engraved with scrolls and with vacant cartouche; A.J., Birmingham 1913

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

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

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

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

Sterling silver vesta case, oblong all scroll engraved together…

Sterling silver vesta case, oblong all scroll engraved together with other and mother of pearl pocket knife

Victorian sterling silver sovereign & vesta case, the front…

Victorian sterling silver sovereign & vesta case, the front with engraved name and leaves, London 1880

Sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1949, 18g

Birmingham 1949 Sterling Silver Vesta Case - 18g

Sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1949, 18g

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1918

Chester Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case (1918)

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1918

Sterling silver Art Deco vesta with removable wick

Art Deco Vesta with Removable Wick in Sterling Silver

Sterling silver Art Deco vesta with removable wick

800 Continental silver vesta case with donkey decoration,…

Continental Silver Donkey Vesta Case by G.K

800 Continental silver vesta case with donkey decoration, marked G.K.

Sterling silver vesta case

Silver Vesta Case for Stylish Fire Starting

Sterling silver vesta case

Antique silver small vesta case, Chester 1905

Chester 1905 Antique Silver Vesta Case

Antique silver small vesta case, Chester 1905

Hallmarked silver vesta on silver chain, hallmarked Birmingham

Birmingham Hallmarked Silver Vesta on Chain

Hallmarked silver vesta on silver chain, hallmarked Birmingham

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta, hallmark Birmingham…

Birmingham 1907 sterling silver vesta

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta, hallmark Birmingham 1907

Hallmarked sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1905, 26 grams

1905 Birmingham Sterling Silver Vesta - 26g

Hallmarked sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1905, 26 grams

Sterling silver vesta & locket

Silver Vesta Locket

Sterling silver vesta & locket

Antique American sterling silver vesta, marked Sterling, 3.5 cm…

American Sterling Silver Vesta - Antique Marked Piece

Antique American sterling silver vesta, marked Sterling, 3.5 cm x 7 cm approx.

Art Nouveau sterling silver vesta, with grape vine design,…

Grape Vine Sterling Silver Vesta

Art Nouveau sterling silver vesta, with grape vine design, marked sterling, 4 cm x 6.5 cm approx.

Art Nouveau sterling silver vesta, with scrolls & flowers…

Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Vesta with Floral Scroll Design

Art Nouveau sterling silver vesta, with scrolls & flowers design, marked sterling, 4.5 cm x 7 cm approx.

Sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1906

1906 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1906

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 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 1905

Birmingham 1905 Sterling Silver Vesta Hallmarked

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1905

An early 20th century silver vesta, of larger size, leafy…

Engraved Silver Vesta with Suspension Loop

An early 20th century silver vesta, of larger size, leafy scroll engraved, vacant shield cartouche. Birmingham 1924 by F.H. Adams & Co. Suspension loop attached

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham 1906

1906 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham 1906

Sterling silver vesta case, Victorian Birmingham 1897

Victorian Birmingham 1897 Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case, Victorian Birmingham 1897

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 1905

Birmingham 1905 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1905

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.

Two sterling silver vesta cases, Clark & Sewell (James Clark &…

Two sterling silver vesta cases, Clark & Sewell (James Clark & John Sewell) & W J Myatt & Co, Chester, 1908 & 1910

A silver (840) match box cover, engraved floral detail & a…

A silver (840) match box cover, engraved floral detail & a matching napkin ring, Wt 61 grams

A hallmarked sterling silver vesta case; London 1921.

London 1921 Sterling Silver Vesta Case

A hallmarked sterling silver vesta case; London 1921.

Two Edwardian sterling silver match box holders, of rectangular…

Pair of Edwardian Silver Match Box Holders

Two Edwardian sterling silver match box holders, of rectangular form, one plain, the other decorated with floral scrolls, total weight 35gm (2)

An English hallmarked sterling silver vesta case with two other…

English Sterling Silver Vesta Case and Plated Examples

An English hallmarked sterling silver vesta case with two other plated Examples [3]

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).

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.