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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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.

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.

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1891

Birmingham 1891 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1891

Sterling silver vesta Chester 1908

1908 Chester Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta Chester 1908

Sterling silver, large vesta

Large Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver, large vesta

George V sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1919, maker Percy…

Monogrammed George V Silver Vesta, Birmingham 1919

George V sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1919, maker Percy Nind-Ward, monogrammed with engraved dedication, height 5 cm; wt 30 grams

A sterling silver match case, with fine foliate design, Rbs,…

Sterling Silver Match Case with Foliate Design, 1910

A sterling silver match case, with fine foliate design, Rbs, Birmingham, 1910. 4 x 3 cm. Weight 11.5g.

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta Chester 1891-92

1891-92 Chester Sterling Silver Hallmarked Vesta

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta Chester 1891-92

An Edwardian silver Australiana themed vesta, large size with…

Emu Relief Edwardian Silver Vesta from J&R Griffin (Chester 1908)

An Edwardian silver Australiana themed vesta, large size with emu in relief to the front. Chester 1908 by J & R Griffin.

Victorian sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1897, makers William…

Engraved Victorian Silver Vesta with Monogram, Birmingham 1897

Victorian sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1897, makers William Neale, engraved decoration, monogrammed, height 6 cm.

Victorian sterling silver vesta Chester 1900, makers H.J.…

Engraved Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta, Chester 1900

Victorian sterling silver vesta Chester 1900, makers H.J. Cooper & Company, engraved decoration, monogrammed, height 4 cm

Edward VII sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1905, embossed leaf…

1905 Birmingham Sterling Silver Leaf Vesta

Edward VII sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1905, embossed leaf decoration, height 4 cm.

Sterling silver vesta case & propelling pencil, the vesta…

Birmingham 1907 Sterling Silver Vesta & Pencil Set

Sterling silver vesta case & propelling pencil, the vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1907, 32 grams

Edwardian sterling silver vesta marked JB Birmingham 1904…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Vesta - Birmingham 1904 - 13g

Edwardian sterling silver vesta marked JB Birmingham 1904 approx weight 13 grams

Edward VII sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1902, maker's mark…

Embossed Edwardian Sterling Silver Vesta

Edward VII sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1902, maker's mark rubbed, (possibly William Hair Haseler), embossed decoration. Weight 29grams

An Edward VII silver vesta case, foliate engraving, Tl,…

Foliate Engraved Edwardian Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1909

An Edward VII silver vesta case, foliate engraving, Tl, Birmingham, 1909.

An Edward VII silver vesta case, foliate engraved and…

Engraved Edwardian Silver Vesta Case with Matches

An Edward VII silver vesta case, foliate engraved and monogrammed, contains original matches, makers mark obscured, Chester, 1904.

A Victorian sterling silver vesta case, depicting golfer,…

Victorian Golfer Vesta Case

A Victorian sterling silver vesta case, depicting golfer, unknown maker, Birmingham, 1881. Weight 15.4g

A Victorian silver match box, engraved floral decoration,…

Victorian Silver Match Box with Floral Engraving

A Victorian silver match box, engraved floral decoration, hinged, vacant panel to front; S Blanckensee & Sons Ltd, Birmingham, 1900. Weight 23.1g.

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

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

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

Sterling silver vesta case, decorated with engraved scrolls,…

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Chester 1900 Hallmark

Sterling silver vesta case, decorated with engraved scrolls, hallmarked Chester 1900

9ct silver lined vesta case, hinged plain rectangular 60 mm x…

Silver Lined Vesta Case: Hinged Rectangular Design (60mm x 45mm)

9ct silver lined vesta case, hinged plain rectangular 60 mm x 45 mm

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, engraved decorated with…

Engraved Edwardian Silver Vesta Case, Chester 1902

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, engraved decorated with unusual shape hallmarked Chester 1902

A silver match box frame, oblong, monogrammed SM, London 1913…

Monogrammed Silver Match Box Frame from 1913 London

A silver match box frame, oblong, monogrammed SM, London 1913 by Finnigans Ltd. 8.3 cm x 5 cm x 1.5 cm. 47gm.

Sterling silver embossed vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1900

1900 Chester Hallmarked Silver Vesta Case with Embossed Design

Sterling silver embossed vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1900

Edwardian sterling silver vesta box hallmarked Birmingham 1907,…

Birmingham Hallmarked Silver Vesta Box, 1907

Edwardian sterling silver vesta box hallmarked Birmingham 1907, 6 cm x 4.5 cm approx

Antique sterling silver vesta,

Antique Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Antique sterling silver vesta,

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1901

1901 Birmingham Hallmarked Silver Vesta

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1901

Sterling silver vesta, Sheffield 1897 by Mappin and Webb

Mappin & Webb Sheffield 1897 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Sheffield 1897 by Mappin and Webb

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1910

Birmingham 1910 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1910

Sterling silver curved vesta

Curved Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver curved vesta

A small sterling silver vesta case, with engraved foliate…

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1906

A small sterling silver vesta case, with engraved foliate design. Birmingham 1906, length 4.5 cm, width 3.8 cm

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

Silver matchbox cover, Dunnings 925 Sterling

Dunnings Sterling Silver Matchbox Cover

Silver matchbox cover, Dunnings 925 Sterling

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 Continental silver vesta case, circa 1930s, the book form…

Floral Embossed Silver Vesta Case with Initials

A Continental silver vesta case, circa 1930s, the book form vesta case with top opening lid, 800 silver tested, with embossed floral decoration to the lid and engraved initials, marked to the interior but illegible. Weight 35g, length 4.5 cm, width 3.5 cm

Late Victorian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester, 1900,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Monogrammed Vesta

Late Victorian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester, 1900, R.Bs, decorated with monogrammed shield, surrounded by acanthus motifs, height 4 cm

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

A mid Victorian sterling silver match vesta marked SML,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Match Vesta, Birmingham 1851

A mid Victorian sterling silver match vesta marked SML, Birmingham, 1851, approx 24g

Victorian sterling silver vesta and a plate vinaigrette, marked…

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta and Vinaigrette Set, 1895

Victorian sterling silver vesta and a plate vinaigrette, marked Birmingham, 1895, HM, 23g

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)

Two sterling silver match box covers of Rhomboid form (2) the…

Sterling Silver Rhomboid Match Box Covers (Set of 2)

Two sterling silver match box covers of Rhomboid form (2) the first fitted with commercial strikers to sides, plain, lidded, engraved with initials 'A E' 13.7.22. Marked for S. Hoffring & Co., maker W.j.sanders, Sydney . the second a plain duplicate box

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.

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.

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

George IV sterling silver vinaigrette, with fluted bands and…

George IV sterling silver vinaigrette, with fluted bands and engraved initials, London 1821, makers initials, We, together with a George V sterling silver vesta case, Birmingham 1916

George V sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1915,…

George V sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1915, maker: Bradley British Overseas Ltd (Percy Nind-Ward), with engraved decoration, approximate total weight 16 grams (some minor dents)

An Edwardian silver vesta case, Tl, Birmingham, 1910. 37 mm x…

Edwardian Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1910

An Edwardian silver vesta case, Tl, Birmingham, 1910. 37 mm x 28 mm. Weight 14.4g.

Sterling silver match box case, with light foliate engraving. 3.…

Foliate Engraved Sterling Silver Match Box Case

Sterling silver match box case, with light foliate engraving. 3.6 x 3 cm. Weight 16.9g

Victorian sterling silver vesta with diagonal ribbed design.…

1894 Chester Hallmarked Silver Vesta with Diagonal Ribbed Design

Victorian sterling silver vesta with diagonal ribbed design. Hallmarked Chester 1894. Some dents.

Hallmarked sterling silver vesta initials to one side,…

Birmingham 1906 Sterling Silver Vesta with Initials

Hallmarked sterling silver vesta initials to one side, hallmarked Birmingham 1906.

Victorian sterling silver vesta case marked Birmingham 1888 TH.…

Victorian Sterling Silver Jockey Vesta Case

Victorian sterling silver vesta case marked Birmingham 1888 TH. Approx height 44, 8 cm, weight 17 grams. With a later applied jockey scene

George V sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1914, makers Joseph…

1914 George V Sterling Silver Vesta by Joseph Gloster Ltd

George V sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1914, makers Joseph Gloster Ltd, height 4 cm, weight 15grams approx.

George V sterling silver vesta marked WHH Birmingham 1913.…

George V Sterling Silver Vesta WHH Birmingham 1913 - 17g

George V sterling silver vesta marked WHH Birmingham 1913. Approx weight 17 grams

Edward VII sterling silver vesta case Chester 1909, makers…

Monogrammed Sterling Silver Vesta Case by Samson Mordan

Edward VII sterling silver vesta case Chester 1909, makers Samson Mordan, monogrammed, height 5 cm; weight 30grams approx.

An early 20th century silver vesta, half leafy scroll engraved,…

Antique Silver Leafy Vesta, Birmingham 1911

An early 20th century silver vesta, half leafy scroll engraved, good size, suspension loop attached. Birmingham 1911

George V sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1917,…

1917 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case by Rolason Brothers

George V sterling silver vesta case hallmarked Birmingham 1917, maker: Rolason Brothers, 14 grams

Vintage sterling silver vesta marked Sterling, monogrammed,…

Monogrammed Sterling Silver Vesta, 22g, 6.5cm

Vintage sterling silver vesta marked Sterling, monogrammed, height 6.5 cm, weight 22grams

George V sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1915, maker Thomas…

Engraved George V Silver Vesta with Monogram, 1915

George V sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1915, maker Thomas Hayes, engraved decoration, monogrammed. Weight 23 cm

George V sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1911, makers Robert…

Monogrammed George V Sterling Silver Vesta, 1911

George V sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1911, makers Robert Chandler, monogrammed. Height 4 cm, weight 26grams approx.

Victorian sterling silver vesta case, Chester 1892, with…

Engraved Victorian Silver Vesta Case with Monogram

Victorian sterling silver vesta case, Chester 1892, with engraved 'Take a (match)', and monogrammed.

A George V sterling silver vesta case, plain design monogrammed…

George V Silver Vesta Case with Monogram Dv

A George V sterling silver vesta case, plain design monogrammed Dv, Samuel M Levi, Birmingham 1912. Weight 29g.

A sterling silver vesta case, Rolason Brothers, Chester 1904.…

Sterling Silver Vesta Case by Rolason Brothers, 1904

A sterling silver vesta case, Rolason Brothers, Chester 1904. Length 3.5 cm. Weight 11.5g

A sterling silver vesta case, shield and foliate design,…

William Haseler Sterling Silver Vesta Case, 1911

A sterling silver vesta case, shield and foliate design, William hair Haseler, Birmingham, 1911. Length 4.7 cm. Weight 21.7g

An Edward VII silver match case, embossed with a horseshoe and…

Edward VII Silver Match Case with Horseshoe and Bit

An Edward VII silver match case, embossed with a horseshoe and bit to the front; Henry Matthews, Birmingham, 1906. Weight 16.6g.

An Australian silver table match case, plain rectangular; Hardy…

Australian Silver Match Case by Hardy Bros

An Australian silver table match case, plain rectangular; Hardy Bros., c.1920. Height 6.5 cm

A Victorian sterling silver vesta case, 1888 Birmingham, with…

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Foliate Scrollwork

A Victorian sterling silver vesta case, 1888 Birmingham, with partial maker's mark, the hinged rectangular vesta decorated throughout with foliate scrollwork on a textured ground, with a vacant circular cartouche; hallmarked to interior rim. Silver weight…

An Edwardian silver match case, plain; Birmingham 1905

Edwardian Silver Match Case, Birmingham 1905

An Edwardian silver match case, plain; Birmingham 1905

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

925 silver golfer vesta case, embossed decorated depicting a…

Golfer Vesta Case in Embossed 925 Silver

925 silver golfer vesta case, embossed decorated depicting a golfer

Silver plate vesta case, with embossed three drunken men scene…

Embossed silver plate vesta case with drunken men and kangaroo

Silver plate vesta case, with embossed three drunken men scene and engraved kangaroo to reverse

Sterling silver vesta with gilded interior with dragon…

Dragon Vesta: Sterling Silver with Gilded Interior

Sterling silver vesta with gilded interior with dragon decoration

Sterling silver vesta, 1903 Birmingham, with foliate…

1903 Birmingham Sterling Silver Vesta with Foliate Decorations

Sterling silver vesta, 1903 Birmingham, with foliate decorations, 3.7 cm

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester 1903

1903 Chester Hallmarked Silver Vesta

Edwardian sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester 1903

Sterling silver engraved vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1927,…

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta, Birmingham 1927 - 18g

Sterling silver engraved vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1927, 18grams approx

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1912

Birmingham 1912 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1912

Hallmarked sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1902

1902 Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta

Hallmarked sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1902

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1898

Birmingham 1898 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1898

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1908

Birmingham 1908 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Birmingham 1908

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester 1903

Chester 1903 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, hallmarked Chester 1903

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Chester 1902

Chester 1902 Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Chester 1902

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

Sterling silver vesta Hallmarked Birmingham 1913

Birmingham 1913 Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta Hallmarked Birmingham 1913

Vesta case. Sterling silver large plain fob vesta hallmarked…

Large Sterling Silver Vesta Hallmarked 1902

Vesta case. Sterling silver large plain fob vesta hallmarked Chester 1902 5 x 5 cm

Vesta case. Small decorated sterling silver hallmarked…

Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case, 1896

Vesta case. Small decorated sterling silver hallmarked Birmingham 1896 3.5 x 5.5 cm

A hallmarked sterling silver vesta case, plain design,…

Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case, 1916

A hallmarked sterling silver vesta case, plain design, Birmingham 1916. Dimensions 45 x 38 mm.

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

Edward VII sterling silver vesta, oblong all scroll engraved…

Edward VII sterling silver vesta, oblong all scroll engraved Birmingham 1910

Two sterling silver vesta cases, both with engraved decoration

Engraved Sterling Silver Vesta Cases

Two sterling silver vesta cases, both with engraved decoration