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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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

Large silver vesta, Chester 1901

Chester 1901 Silver Vesta

Large silver vesta, Chester 1901

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.

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 silver match box frame, of unusually long form, with mahogany…

Long Silver Match Box Frame with Mahogany Liner (9 words)

A silver match box frame, of unusually long form, with mahogany liner. London 1912. marks rubbed, length 16 cm

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

English sterling silver vesta case, engraved classical…

Birmingham 1907 Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Classical Engravings

English sterling silver vesta case, engraved classical decoration with central shield hinged lid and silver gilt interior, hallmarked Birmingham 1907

Sterling silver fern decorated embossed vesta case, hallmarked…

Fern Embossed Vesta with Greenstone Center

Sterling silver fern decorated embossed vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1905 with greenstone centre

Sterling silver match case, hallmarked

Hallmarked Sterling Silver Match Case

Sterling silver match case, hallmarked

Vintage silver filigree vesta, with scrolled flower decoration,…

Silver Filigree Flower Vesta

Vintage silver filigree vesta, with scrolled flower decoration, 4 cm x 6 cm approx.

Two sterling silver vesta cases hallmarked Birmingham 1900 and…

Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Cases (1900-1906)

Two sterling silver vesta cases hallmarked Birmingham 1900 and 1906, 64grams approx

Sterling silver vesta, with rose embossed decoration

Rose Embossed Sterling Silver Vesta

Sterling silver vesta, with rose embossed decoration

Edwardian sterling silver card case, with raised decoration,…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Card Case and Vesta

Edwardian sterling silver card case, with raised decoration, hallmarked Birmingham 1903 together with a sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1924

Edward VII sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1909, makers…

Edward VII Sterling Silver Vesta by Haseler (1909)

Edward VII sterling silver vesta Birmingham 1909, makers William Hair Haseler, weight 16 grams.

Edward VII heart shaped sterling silver vesta Chester 1904,…

Heart-Shaped Sterling Silver Vesta with Engraved Decoration

Edward VII heart shaped sterling silver vesta Chester 1904, maker's mark rubbed, engraved decoration. Weight 22grams

An Australian silver cylinder match case, the close-fitted…

Engraved Australian Silver Match Case by Hardy Bros

An Australian silver cylinder match case, the close-fitted cover engraved with initials; Hardy Bros. Height 3.3 cm

Two Victorian sterling silver Vestas both leaf scroll engraved…

Victorian Leaf Engraved Sterling Silver Vestas (1893, 1904)

Two Victorian sterling silver Vestas both leaf scroll engraved Birmingham 1893, 1904

A late Victorian silver heart form vesta, all-over engraved…

Engraved Silver Heart Vesta by Rolason Brothers

A late Victorian silver heart form vesta, all-over engraved with leafy scrolls, suspension loop to top. Birmingham 1897 by Rolason Brothers.

A sterling silver vesta double sovereign case, 1900 Birmingham,…

1900 Birmingham Sterling Silver Vesta Double Sovereign Case

A sterling silver vesta double sovereign case, 1900 Birmingham, with maker's mark for E.J.Trevitt & Sons, square and of plain form with cases for coins in two sizes, hallmarked, silver weight 59gr

Two Victorian and Edwardian sterling silver vesta sovereign…

Pair of Silver Vesta Sovereign Cases

Two Victorian and Edwardian sterling silver vesta sovereign cases, Chester 1896 with maker's mark for William Neale, 1911 Birmingham, with, maker's mark for E.J. Houlston, one partly engraved, the other engine turned, both hallmarked, silver weight 67gr

Victorian sterling silver vesta with a 9ct applied cartouche,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta with 9ct Cartouche, 1904 Birmingham

Victorian sterling silver vesta with a 9ct applied cartouche, marked 1904, Birmingham, S&B, approx 14g

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.

George V sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham,…

Birmingham 1915 George V Sterling Silver Vesta Case

George V sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1915, of rectangular form, decorated with central medallion surrounded by scrolling acanthus pattern, total weight 25gm, 5 cm x 4 cm

English hallmarked sterling silver Elizabeth II vesta case in…

Ass-shaped Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Hinged Mouth

English hallmarked sterling silver Elizabeth II vesta case in the form of an ass, with a hinged mouth in the shaped of a mans head. London, 1978, maker Dss. Condition excellent to good, minor wear. Length 6 cm. Weight 27.5 cm

Two sterling silver vesta cases, larger slightly curved with…

Agate-inlaid Vesta Cases, Birmingham 1903

Two sterling silver vesta cases, larger slightly curved with green agate Irish lyre inlay and gilt metal case, unidentified, Birmingham 1903

.800 silver vesta, embossed rustic design on modern trace link…

Rustic Vesta on Modern Chain Necklace

.800 silver vesta, embossed rustic design on modern trace link neck chain

Sterling silver combination vesta case, with inscription E…

Silver Vesta Case with E. Swainson Inscription

Sterling silver combination vesta case, with inscription E Swainson... Fielding show... 8.2.11

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

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, engraved decoration…

Engraved Edwardian Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1915

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, engraved decoration hallmarked Birmingham 1915

English sterling silver vesta case, embossed and engraved…

Antique Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1907

English sterling silver vesta case, embossed and engraved decoration by makers W.J. Myatt and Co Birmingham 1907

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Chester 1901

Chester 1901 Sterling Silver Vesta Hallmarked

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Chester 1901

George V sterling silver vesta marked Birmingham 1919 Charles S…

1919 Birmingham Sterling Silver Vesta by Charles S Green

George V sterling silver vesta marked Birmingham 1919 Charles S green & Co Ltd, weight 43 grams

Two sterling silver cases hunter cased pocket watches larger…

Sterling Silver Hunter Cased Pocket Watch with Vesta Case

Two sterling silver cases hunter cased pocket watches larger with attached plain rectangular vesta case

Two sterling silver cylindrical vesta boxes, 1909 Birmingham,…

Sterling Silver Vesta Boxes, 1909 & Early 20th Century

Two sterling silver cylindrical vesta boxes, 1909 Birmingham, with maker's mark for Deakin & Francis Ltd, and early, 20th century, possibly Australian with 'Fx&R' mark in diamond cartouche, in the form of wax match boxes, one engine turned, the other…

Australian sterling silver vesta box, by Fairfax and Roberts

Fairfax & Roberts' Australian Sterling Silver Vesta Box

Australian sterling silver vesta box, by Fairfax and Roberts

Silver vesta and cigarette case

Silver Vesta & Cigarette Case Set

Silver vesta and cigarette case

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Chester

Chester Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta Case

Sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Chester

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1906, maker C.S.

Birmingham 1906 Sterling Silver Vesta by C.S

Sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1906, maker C.S.

George VI sterling silver round vesta hallmarked Birmingham…

Birmingham Hallmarked Sterling Silver Vesta, 1938

George VI sterling silver round vesta hallmarked Birmingham 1938. 4.5 cm high.

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case marked Birmingham 1904,…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1904, 18g

Edwardian sterling silver vesta case marked Birmingham 1904, size 40 x 30 mm, weight 18 grams

George V sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham,…

George V Sterling Silver Vesta Case

George V sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1922, R.Bs, of rectangular for with a hinged top cover, engraved front and back with foliate incised motifs, surrounding a shaped reserve to front, total weight 18.11gm, length 4.5 cm

Sterling silver vesta case stamped sterling, with ornate cherub…

Ornate Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Cherub Decoration

Sterling silver vesta case stamped sterling, with ornate cherub and swirl decoration, 32 grams

Silver vesta case, Chester 1902

Chester 1902 Silver Vesta Case

Silver vesta case, Chester 1902

A sterling silver vesta case, John Troup & Sons, Birmingham…

Sterling Silver Vesta Case, John Troup & Sons 1907 (11.8g)

A sterling silver vesta case, John Troup & Sons, Birmingham 1907. Weight 11.8g.

A sterling silver vesta case, well decorated with foliate,…

Foliate Decorated Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1906

A sterling silver vesta case, well decorated with foliate, Henry Matthews, Birmingham, 1906. Weight 19g

American sterling silver lyre vesta case, late 19th…

Lyre Vesta Case with Repousse Laurel Wreath

American sterling silver lyre vesta case, late 19th century/early 20th century, hallmarked sterling with other unidentified mark, of shaped lyre form with a side hinged top cover, with central repousse laurel wreath, ivy and flower heads above a striker…

Lovely Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Engraved Foliate Design

Lovely Edwardian sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1908, Jr (John Rotherham), of rectangular form with a hinged top cover, decorated with bright cut engraved foliate scroll work radiating from a central shield reserve with monogram,…

An antique sterling silver novelty vesta case, unidentified…

Sterling silver Mr Punch vesta case

An antique sterling silver novelty vesta case, unidentified maker, marked a [?] with a horse's head and 925, early 20th century, in the form of a figure of Mr Punch, total weight 27g, length 6 cm

A sterling silver vesta case, 1903 Sheffield, with maker's mark…

1903 Sheffield Sterling Silver Vesta Case by James Dixon & Sons

A sterling silver vesta case, 1903 Sheffield, with maker's mark for James Dixon & Sons, a finely embossed large rectangular vesta case with a shaped cartouche upon a textured ground, hallmarked to rims, silver weight 37gr

Four hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1849,…

Set of Four Sterling Silver Vesta Cases

Four hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1849, maker's mark 'Rbs' (14g); Birm. 1901, maker's mark 'Jg' (25g); Birm. 1908, maker's mark 'Jg Ltd' (23gm); & Birm. 1922, maker's mark 'Rbs' (20g)

Two Victorian and Edwardian sterling silver vesta sovereign…

Pair of Sterling Silver Vesta Sovereign Cases

Two Victorian and Edwardian sterling silver vesta sovereign cases, 1897, 1902 Birmingham with makers' marks for Stokes & Ireland, Minshull, Latimer, both of plain form, hallmarked to both, silver weight 72gr

A late 19th century cylindrical turned wooden vesta box with…

Sterling Kangaroo Vesta Box with Silver Striker Plate

A late 19th century cylindrical turned wooden vesta box with slip on lid, probably 'Rose mahogany'. Sterling figure of a 'Kangaroo' applied to lid and heavy silver banded 'Striker' plate to base (31g all in), maker unknown

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)

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

Sterling silver circular vesta, with sword shaped page marker…

Birmingham 1904 Sterling Silver Vesta with Sword Page Marker

Sterling silver circular vesta, with sword shaped page marker and medallion;Birmingham 1904

Late Victorian sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked…

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Fern Engravings

Late Victorian sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham 1900, M&L (Minshull & Latimer), of conventional form, engraved with spiral fern motifs, with rectangular shaped reserve to front with extant monogram, striker to base, total weight 16gm, 4 x…

Early Silver vesta case, Birmingham 1880

1880 Birmingham Silver Vesta Case

Early Silver vesta case, Birmingham 1880

A Victorian silver engraved vesta case, small rounded oblong…

Victorian Silver Engraved Vesta Case by Henry Pope

A Victorian silver engraved vesta case, small rounded oblong form, vacant shield cartouche. Birmingham 1874 by Henry Pope, a noted vesta maker. Height 3.7 cm

A 19th century sterling silver vesta case in the form of a…

Antique Sterling Silver Cigar Box Vesta Case (Sheffield 1893)

A 19th century sterling silver vesta case in the form of a cigar box - Sheffield 1893

An Edwardian silver shamrock decorated vesta, of small…

Edwardian Silver Shamrock Vesta with Green Stones

An Edwardian silver shamrock decorated vesta, of small proportions, engraved and set with three green-stone shamrock leaves, suspension loop to top. Birmingham 1904 by Joseph Cook & Son.

A Victorian silver engraved vesta case, small rounded form,…

Victorian Engraved Silver Vesta Case by Henry Pope

A Victorian silver engraved vesta case, small rounded form, vacant shield cartouche. Birmingham 1874 by Henry Pope, a noted vesta maker.

A German silver vesta case, the lid with cartouche of 18th…

German Silver Vesta Case with Rural Figures Cartouche

A German silver vesta case, the lid with cartouche of 18th century rural figures, 71gm.

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.

Early ivory & sterling silver initialed S vesta circa 1910,…

1910 Ivory & Silver Initialled S Vesta

Early ivory & sterling silver initialed S vesta circa 1910, height 5 cm approx.

A Victorian silver match case, tapered oval, engine-turned and…

Victorian Silver Match Case with Initialled Cartouche

A Victorian silver match case, tapered oval, engine-turned and with initialled cartouche; Danziger & Isaacs, Birmingham 1865. Height 6 cm

Three hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1847,…

Set of Three Sterling Silver Vesta Cases

Three hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1847, maker's mark 'Jg' (23g); Birm. 1897, maker's mark 'P&S' (25g); & Birm. 1920, maker's mark rubbed (34g)

A Victorian silver vesta case, with alligator hide finish.…

Victorian Alligator Hide Silver Vesta Case

A Victorian silver vesta case, with alligator hide finish. London 1894 by Alfred Hall & John Goode, height 5 cm.

Thai silver vesta case, decorated with embossed Thai dancers…

Thai Silver Vesta with Embossed Dancers and Foliate Design

Thai silver vesta case, decorated with embossed Thai dancers and foliate

Continental silver vesta, stamped 800, with cherub in relief…

Cherub Relief 800 Silver Vesta

Continental silver vesta, stamped 800, with cherub in relief decoration, height 3.5 cm approx

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham circa 1891 (William…

Birmingham 1891 Sterling Silver Vesta by William Neale & Son

Sterling silver vesta hallmarked Birmingham circa 1891 (William Neale & Son)

A sterling silver heart shaped vesta case, engraved scrolling…

Engraved Heart Vesta Case in Sterling Silver

A sterling silver heart shaped vesta case, engraved scrolling frond design.

A New Zealand silver vesta case 1887, rounded rectangular form,…

1887 New Zealand Silver Vesta Case with BS Mark

A New Zealand silver vesta case 1887, rounded rectangular form, marked BS. Snap fitting hinged lid.

Two sterling silver cigarette cases and vesta case,

Silver Smoking Set: Cases and Vesta

Two sterling silver cigarette cases and vesta case,

Sterling silver disk form vesta case, with engine turned…

Birmingham 1900 Sterling Silver Engine Turned Vesta Case

Sterling silver disk form vesta case, with engine turned decoration to both sides. Hallmarked Birmingham 1900, maker Constantine & Floyd Ltd. W21g

Two sterling silver vesta cases, one by Arthur Johnson Smith,…

Sterling Silver Vesta Cases, Arthur Johnson Smith, 1922

Two sterling silver vesta cases, one by Arthur Johnson Smith, Birmingham, 1922; the other (American?) marked only 'Sterling 925', the first of typical rounded rectangular form and engraved with stylized foliate decoration; the second slim, with rococo…

Three silver items: an .800 silver comb, a sterling thimble and…

Antique Silver Comb, Thimble, and Vesta Set

Three silver items: an .800 silver comb, a sterling thimble and vesta, late 19th century (comb), 1908 & 1912 Birmingham, an engraved comb handle with tortoiseshell comb, the cover having scroll edges, marked to handle; a James Fenton & Co size 14 engraved…

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

Four hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1901,…

Sterling Silver Vesta Cases, 4 Pieces

Four hallmarked sterling silver vesta cases. Birm. 1901, maker's mark 'Th' (20g); Birm. 1911, maker's mark 'Whh' (23g); Birm. 1915, maker's mark rubbed (24gm); & Birm. 1908, maker's mark rubbed (14g)

A sterling silver vesta case with jade decoration, 1900 Chester,…

Jade-adorned Sterling Silver Vesta Case by Reid & Sons

A sterling silver vesta case with jade decoration, 1900 Chester, with maker's mark for Reid & Sons, engraved to one face with ivy leaves and embellished with applied shaped, tiles in rich green jade, plain to the reverse, hallmarked, total weight 26gr