These items have been sold, and the description, image and price ($US) are for reference purposes only.

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... circles.

However they were also made in gold, and enamel with silver, as well as cheaper materials such as brass and from nuts embellished with silver mounts.

One of the prolific makers of silver vesta cases was the firm Sampson Mordan & Co. which was founded in in 1823 and continued in the family until 1941 when the factory was destroyed by German bombing during the London Blitz.

The smoker's need for vesta cases (and matches) was in gradual decline from after World War I, with the introduction of the Ronson "Banjo" cigarette lighter in 1926, the first automatic lighter, followed by the "Zippo" lighter in 1932. less...

Rare Victorian silver & enamel Dewars vesta marked for…
Victorian Silver & Enamel Dewars Vesta, Birmingham 1896 Whisky Advertising

Rare Victorian silver & enamel Dewars vesta marked for Birmingham 1896 Passant to lid only, body marks polished over (faint). Size 1.81 in. x 1.61 in., surface wear (Dewars Perth Whisky)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Vintage decorated enamel brass vesta case decorated to lid with…
Nude Woman in Forest Enamel Brass Vesta Case Vintage

Vintage decorated enamel brass vesta case decorated to lid with enamel image of a nude woman in a forest, height 1.57 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
George V sterling silver vesta case with small chain & bar,…
1924 George V sterling silver vesta case with red enamel

George V sterling silver vesta case with small chain & bar, engraved with red enamel letter, Birmingham 1924

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique silver vesta group approx: applied gold & enamel…
Engraved Antique Silver Vesta Group with Gold Thistle Decoration

Antique silver vesta group approx: applied gold & enamel thistle decorated vesta Engraved: Edwin Marlow Parkville, unmarked, silver plate example marked Hj&Co Engraved: Edwin Marlow Parkville. American silver vesta a/f. Silver total weight 33 grams

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Novelty sterling silver & enamel heart form vesta case,…
Birmingham 1894 Sterling Silver Heart Vesta Case by L. Bros. Ltd

Novelty sterling silver & enamel heart form vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham 1894, marked 'L. Bros. Ltd'. Possibly for leech Brothers. W18.78g

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A late Victorian silver and Maori whare enamelled vesta, the…
Victorian Silver & Maori Enamel Vesta by Haseler (1899)

A late Victorian silver and Maori whare enamelled vesta, the enamel in colours including seven figures. Birmingham 1899. By William Hair Haseler.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian silver and enamel 'Calling card' vesta case. Marked…
Edwardian Enamel Vesta Case with Calling Card Holder

Edwardian silver and enamel 'Calling card' vesta case. Marked Chester 1901 makers mark partially rubbed W. Approx size 2.20 in. x 1.30 in., 46 grams.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An Edwardian silver and enamel vesta case, heart shape, the…
Enamel Hound Dog Heart Vesta Case in Silver

An Edwardian silver and enamel vesta case, heart shape, the front decorated with an enamel hound' dog, marked 825.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Vesta case with enamel 'One penny postage Stamp' Regd. No.…
Enamel Vesta Case with Queen Victoria Stamp

Vesta case with enamel 'One penny postage Stamp' Regd. No.109862 Queen Victoria. Provenance: Ex John Murr. 1.57 in. x 1.18 in. x 0.59 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Late 19th century American silver and enamel vesta case shaped…
Scientific American Vesta Case with Envelope Wrapper (9 words)

Late 19th century American silver and enamel vesta case shaped as a rolled copy of the Scientific American magazine, produced by the Enos Richardson & Co, New York. Held in an envelope wrapper, stamped and addressed ready for posting, with an engraved addr

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A collection of silver and silver plate items, comprising six…
Silver and Silver Plate Collection with Enamel Accents

A collection of silver and silver plate items, comprising six pieces, a silver box with an enamel panel of a cricketer, a sterling silver vesta, Birmingham 1909 with enamelled kangaroo, a silver plate vanity case with enamelled budgerigars and three silver

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked…
Enamel Vesta Case with Crossed Flags

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1905, of rectangular form, decorated with crossed flags, total weight 23gm, height 1.57 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A late Victorian silver heart form and enamel vesta, the front…
Victorian Blue Enamel Heart Vesta

A late Victorian silver heart form and enamel vesta, the front enamelled with a blue spoked and white outer wheel, possibly symbolising the early automobile wheel. Birmingham 1897 by Charles Edward Soloman. Height 1.57 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Eureka gold vesta case. Superbly crafted 18ct gold with…
Eureka Gold Vesta Case with Britannia Figure and Mineral Inset

Eureka gold vesta case. Superbly crafted 18ct gold with engraved Britannia figure inscribed 'Eureka', with black enamel decoration and gold ore mineral specimen inset lid., 2.17 in. high, 23.75 grams total

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A sterling silver vesta case, plain design with an applied…
Silver Vesta Case with Enamel Australian Coat of Arms

A sterling silver vesta case, plain design with an applied silver and enamel Australian coat of arms. Stamped 'Stg Silver', maker's mark illegible.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A sterling silver and enamel vesta case, the front white enamel…
Enamel Vesta Case with Notable Australian Connection

A sterling silver and enamel vesta case, the front white enamel 'calling card' design 'James Holmes, Bathurst, NSW', hallmarked Birmingham 1902, maker S. Morden & Co. Other Notes: James Holmes (1843-1914) was manager of the Commercial Banking Company's bra

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
David Andersen Norwegian sterling silver enamel and gilt vesta,…
Andersen Enamel & Gilt Vesta - 1900 Norwegian Sterling Silver

David Andersen Norwegian sterling silver enamel and gilt vesta, circa 1900, 1.77 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Two early 20th century sterling silver and enamelled boxes, one…
Enamelled Sterling Silver Boxes with Cloisonne Decoration

Two early 20th century sterling silver and enamelled boxes, one vesta with black enamel, inlaid with red motif, gilt interior marked 'Ml, 925, triangle and C.' the other Swiss square snuff box, cloisonne decoration, the base finely decorated, punchmarks 'P

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Silver vesta, of rectangular form, with enamel armorial for…
Melbourne Enamel Armorial Silver Vesta Pitcher

Silver vesta, of rectangular form, with enamel armorial for Melbourne, impressed pitcher

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Five plated Vestas and one sterling silver vesta, 19th to 20th…
Assorted Antique Vestas - 6 Pieces

Five plated Vestas and one sterling silver vesta, 19th to 20th century, one hallmarked 1889 Birmingham, with maker's mark for George Unite, the others unmarked, in cluding a hunting themed vesta, a horseshoe shaped vesta, a Crown top embossed vesta, a faux

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A late Victorian silver heart form and enamel vesta, the front…
Victorian Enamel Heart Vesta with Automobile Wheel Symbolism

A late Victorian silver heart form and enamel vesta, the front enamelled with a blue spoked and white outer wheel, possibly symbolising the early automobile wheel. Birmingham 1897 by Charles Edward Soloman.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A dog themed Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta case,…
Victorian Bulldog Enamel Vesta Case

A dog themed Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, 1887 Birmingham, with maker's mark for Lawrence Emanuel, of plain rectangular form, inlaid with the naturalistic head and shoulders, image of a white British bulldog, hallmarked, total weight 18

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A nautical themed Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta…
Victorian Nautical Vesta Case with Enamel Flags

A nautical themed Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, 1886 London, with maker's mark for Thomas Johnson II, of plain rectangular form and embellished with three flags on a pole, the internal rim engraved 'I will carry a light', hallmarked, tot

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A Shakespeare portrait sterling silver vesta case, hand painted…
Shakespeare Enamel Vesta Case by Robert Chandler

A Shakespeare portrait sterling silver vesta case, hand painted enamel portrait on case hallmarked Birmingham, 1908, by Robert Chandler.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A Liberty of London, Archibald Knox sterling silver and enamel…
Liberty London Enamel Vesta by Archibald Knox (1906-7)

A Liberty of London, Archibald Knox sterling silver and enamel vesta, hallmarked BIRMINGHAM1906-7.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A Victorian enamel vesta case, decorated with a hunting scene…
Victorian Hunting Scene Enamel Vesta Case

A Victorian enamel vesta case, decorated with a hunting scene to the lid, with striker to the base.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Enamel and silver vesta, silver plated napkin ring and a gold…
Enamel and Silver Vesta Set with Beaker

Enamel and silver vesta, silver plated napkin ring and a gold wash beaker with enamel coat of arms, 19th/20th century, the beaker 1.77 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Vintage sterling silver & enamel vesta, enamel decoration to…
Enamel Sterling Silver Vesta with Vintage Charm

Vintage sterling silver & enamel vesta, enamel decoration to case, marked Sterling. Height 1.97 in., weight 38grams approx.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked,…
Enamel Shield Vesta Case, Edwardian Silver, Birmingham 1902

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1902, S& B (rubbed), of rectangular form, decorated with enamel shied with three rampant lions, total weight 19gm, 1.65 in. x 1.22 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked,…
Enamel Stage Coach Vesta Case, 1902

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked, Chester, 1902, J.M.B (John Millward Banks), of rectangular form, set with a fine enamel panel, depicting stage coach and figures, total weight 35gm, 5.4c x 1.46 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked,…
Enamel Shield Vesta Case, Birmingham 1902

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1902, S& B (rubbed), of rectangular form, decorated with enamel shied with three rampant lions, total weight 19gm, 1.65 in. x 1.22 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case,…
Enamel Robin Vesta Case, Birmingham 1892

Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1892, R.A.S, of rectangular for, decorated with enamel panel decorated with red Robin perched above young in snow, total weight 19gm, 1.57 in. x 1.06 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked,…
Enamel Devil Vesta Case from 1886 Birmingham Silver Hallmark

Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1886, H & A (Horton Allday), of rectangular form, decorated with a central enamel panel of silhouette of devil with words 'I am..(name) who the...are you', total weight 21gm

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked,…
Enamel Stage Coach Vesta - 1902 Sterling Silver

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked, Chester, 1902, J.M.B (John Millward Banks), of rectangular form, set with a fine enamel panel, depicting stage coach and figures, total weight 35gm, 5.4c x 1.46 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked,…
Enamel Horse Vesta Case by George Unite & Sons

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1899, G.U (George Unite & Sons), of rectangular for, decorated with enamel scene of a horse, rider and dogs jumping a stone fence, total weight 33gm, 4.7c x 1.38 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case,…
Enamel Cigar Vesta Case, Birmingham 1886

Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1886, H.A, of rectangular form, decorated with a enamel scene of a burning cigar with the words 'It all ends in', total weight 23gm, 4.6c x 2.8c

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case,…
Enamel Fox Hunt Vesta by Sampson Mordon, London 1892

Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked, London, 1892, S.M (Sampson Mordon), and retail mark A. Barrett & Sons, Piccadilly, beautifully decorated with very fine enamel scene of fox hunt, total weight 44gm, 2.36 in. x 1.26 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case,…
Victorian Enamel Vesta Case with Lady on Steps

Late Victorian sterling silver and enamel vesta, case, hallmarked, Birmingham, 1896, D& F (Deakin Francis) of rectangular form, finely decorated with a enamel scene of a lady in black dress walking down steps with columns and figures in back ground, total

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An Edwardian sterling silver heart shaped vesta with an enamel…
Edwardian Enamel Heart Vesta with Bathing Girl Design

An Edwardian sterling silver heart shaped vesta with an enamel panel of a girl in a bathing costume, Birmingham, circa 1905

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Two silver vesta cases, both with an enamel panel, one…
Enamel Vesta Cases with Animal Panels

Two silver vesta cases, both with an enamel panel, one depicting a horse, the other a dog, scrolled detail.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique Marius Hammer (Norway),1847-1927, enamel vesta,
Marius Hammer Enamel Vesta, 1847-1927

Antique Marius Hammer (Norway),1847-1927, enamel vesta,

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1905 with an…
Engraved Silver Vesta Case with Benedictus Crest and Inscription

A sterling silver vesta case, hallmarked Chester 1905 with an enamel crest marked Benedictus engraved on reverse F.A.C 20th Anniversary 20/7/07

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An agate, diamond, enamel and jasperware panel vesta case,…
Boucheron Vesta Case with Agate, Diamond, and Jasperware Panel

An agate, diamond, enamel and jasperware panel vesta case, Boucheron, early 20th century the transluscent carved agate case of rounded rectangular outline, the hinged cover with blue and white strapwork banding to a millegrain-set rose-cut diamond decorate

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
English sterling silver vesta with applied porcelain plaque
Porcelain Plaque Sterling Silver Vesta

English sterling silver vesta with applied porcelain plaque

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A Japanese enamel match case, foliate relief decoration
Japanese Enamel Match Case with Foliate Relief Decoration

A Japanese enamel match case, foliate relief decoration

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A silver and emamel vesta case, cobalt blue enamel to both…
Blue Enamel Silver Vesta Case with Suspension Ring

A silver and emamel vesta case, cobalt blue enamel to both sides, unmarked, possibly 1920's, with suspension ring

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A Victorian silver vesta case, rectangular form with the front…
Enamelled Victorian Silver Vesta Case, Birmingham 1891

A Victorian silver vesta case, rectangular form with the front enamelled to represent a visiting card, with suspension ring. Minor damage to enamel. Birmingham 1891

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A late Victorian silver and enamel vesta, the front of the case…
Enamelled Soldier Vesta, Christmas 1899

A late Victorian silver and enamel vesta, the front of the case with an enamelled picture of a soldier entitled 'A gentleman in Khaki', the back engraved 'Absent-Minded Beggar', G.C.E. from A.H., Christmas 1899. Birmingham 1899

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Loading more...