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 French Art Nouveau Silver Statue of Liberty Advertising Vesta Match Safe EUR 287,12 |
 Rare 1901 William Hair Haseler Sterling Silver Vesta Case Matchsafe EUR 79,82 |
 Rare antique Brass Frog table match striker holder vesta matchsafe EUR 103,36 |
 VERY RARE SOLID SILVER VESTA CASE MATCHSTRIKER ANTIQUE 1883 VICTORIAN NOVELTY EUR 1.378,17 |
 RARE ENGLISH 1879 STERLING SILVER VICTORIAN VESTA CASE ANTIQUE EUR 212,47 |
 VERY RARE ADELPHI THEATRE Sterling silver vesta matchsafe midsummer Nights Dream EUR 292,86 |
 RARE STERLING SILVER ENAMEL CHRIST COLLEGECAMBRIDGE UNI VESTA CASE 1920 ANTIQUE EUR 258,41 |
 Circa 1900 Rare Japanese Brass Pocket Match Safe Vesta Case Birds Moon EUR 59,83 |
 RARE GILBERT STERLING FIGURAL DRAGON MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE C 1905 EUR 337,64 |
 RARE ANTIQUE BRASS ELEPHANT HEAD GLASS EYES MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE C1900 EUR 182,16 |