Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. Vesta cases are often intricately crafted and considered small works of art, which why these match cases are very popular with collectors of antiques.
In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a vesta case or match safe.
One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches.
Match safes, or vesta cases can been found in countless different styles, materials and shapes. Metals used for making vesta cases range from tin, brass and silver to the more expensive precious metals like gold. Vesta cases can also be found in natural materials including bone, wood and ivory. While the most common size of the vesta case is small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket, larger cases were also made for home use. These larger cases or safes were commonly placed in areas where fires were often lit, for example, near wood burning stoves or fireplaces.
Vesta cases can still be found and purchased today for either personal use or to include in a collection. For a visual example of vesta cases, here is a small sampling of some of the vesta cases and match safes that can be found eBay, an online auction website:
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 RARE ANTIQUE CAST METAL BULL HEAD VESTA CASE MATCH STRIKER COW BULLS EUR 180,91 |
 Art Nouveau sterling silver ornate MATCHSAFE VESTA CASE Rare Hidden Match Strike EUR 211,41 |
 Rare antique Brass Frog table match striker holder vesta matchsafe EUR 104,37 |
 VERY RARE SOLID SILVER VESTA CASE MATCHSTRIKER ANTIQUE 1883 VICTORIAN NOVELTY EUR 1.391,59 |
 Rare Little People Vesta Case Match Safe Holder Striker EUR 166,47 |
 RARE ENGLISH 1879 STERLING SILVER VICTORIAN VESTA CASE ANTIQUE EUR 214,54 |
 Rare Sterling Silver Match Safe Vesta Case Treasure Chest Design No Monogram EUR 340,12 |
 Rare Victorian Brass Combination Vesta Case Match Holder Whistle EUR 77,02 |
 RARE Unusual Stg Silver TABLE Vesta Match Safe BOX h m 1912 Deakin Francis EUR 276,00 |
 Antique GORHAM Sterling Silver Matchsafe Vesta Case RARE Form EUR 255,73 |