If this item sells it will be posted on 29th July 2023
Antique Brass Book Match Safe Vesta Case
A chance to purchase this rare very collectable well cast brass novelty match safe vesta case formed as Billiken
This in an original 1908 Billiken Vesta Case Match Safe, Made in Germany. The Billiken is a charm doll created by an American art teacher and illustrator, Florence Pretz of Kansas City, Missouri, who is said to have seen the mysterious figure in a dream. It is believed that Pretz found the name Billiken in Bliss Carman's 1896 poem "Mr. Moon: A Song Of The Little People". In 1908, she obtained a design patent on the ornamental design of the Billiken, which she sold to the Billiken Company of Chicago. The Billiken was monkey-like with pointed ears, a mischievous smile and a tuft of hair on his pointed head. His arms were short and he was generally sitting with his legs stretched out in front of him. Billiken is known as "The God of Things as They Ought to Be". To buy a Billiken was said to give the purchaser luck, but to receive one as a gift would be better luck. The image was copyrighted and a trademark was put on the name.
All in good condition striker still sharp and hinge still good and fully working
Now that I have retired I am starting to sell a few of my collectables
In good condition the the hinge still works well
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me when I will answer any questions as honestly as I can or if you should require more images.