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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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

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta Chester 1891-92

1891-92 Chester Sterling Silver Hallmarked Vesta

Antique hallmarked sterling silver vesta Chester 1891-92

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.

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.

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

A hallmarked sterling silver vesta case; London 1921.

London 1921 Sterling Silver Vesta Case

A hallmarked sterling silver vesta case; London 1921.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

Sterling silver vesta case embossed with mermaid figure

Mermaid Embossed Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case embossed with mermaid figure

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

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

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

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