What is a Vesta Case?
Filed under
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:
| Choose your country: | Change Sort Order: |
 |
RARE Antique Austria Hungarian Niello 800 Silver Snuff Box Vesta Case | $57.00 |
 |
Very rare Edward VII bust VESTA CASE Birmingham 1887 | $1,738.09 |
 |
Rare Haslers patented brass cigar cutter spring triggered match safe c 1855 | $225.00 |
 |
Rare celluloid vesta case Holzapfels Newcastle on Tyne | $145.91 |
 |
Marked Vesta Case Mint RARE Lime and white enamel | $73.02 |
 |
VERY RARE 19e CENTURY FRENCH SILVER VESTA CASE WITH KIND OF DRAGON | $125.00 |
 |
1933 RARE FH ADAMS SOLID SILVER MATCHBOOK VESTA CASE | $8.24 |
 |
Rare Hall Red Poppy Match Safe | $51.99 |
 |
RARE ANTIQUE VESTA OR MATCH SAFE ADVERTISING COVER COLONEL MESH GOLF BALL | $399.99 |
 |
RARE ANTIQUE GOLF MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE UNGER BROTHERS STERLING SILVER GOLFER | $599.99 |
Vesta Case / Match Safe Resources
Filed under Vesta Cases
Links to useful information for anyone interested in Vesta Cases / Match Safes.
A great article with photos by Soodie about Match Safes
The International Match Safe Association and Museum
Mr. Vesta - Founding member of the International Match Safe Association and Museum
Vesta Case Buying Tips at Daniel Bexfield Antiques
Neil Shapiro's Match Safe Scholar Site an awesome resource for Match Safe collectors. Mr. Shapiro has detailed articles, a recommended reading list, and he even offers appraisals.
Bonham's Vesta Case auctions.