Up for bid is a Vintage Silver Hallmarked Vesta Match Safe. This is a unique and rare little match vesta safe. It is small  (1 1/8 by 1 1/2 inches). It has its lid that closes.  It has an engraved pattern, unmarked cartouche.  This is a sweet little piece of history. Great gift idea.

Match holders, also known as matchsafes or vesta cases, date to the mid-19th century, when friction matches were first introduced. While a boon to cigar-puffing fat cats and homemakers alike, early friction matches, which were also called vestas and Lucifers, almost did their job too well, sometimes bursting into flame in a user’s pocket. Matchsafes keep these hair-trigger fire sticks from rubbing together and combusting prematurely.The golden age of matchsafes was around 1870 until the 1930s, when matchbooks and cigarette lighters obviated the need for most match holders. 

 Please examine the pictures carefully. The pictures give a better description of the shape than I can :) Don't miss out on this piece for your collection!  If you need any more pictures I can get them to you.  I am listing lots of unique items over the next few days so please check out my other auctions.