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 NUDE FISHER WOMAN VESTA CASE MATCH SAFE GORGEOUS CRISP EXCELLENT LITTLE USE $295.00 |
 Art Nouveau sterling silver ornate MATCHSAFE VESTA CASE Rare Hidden Match Strike $248.00 |
 RARE ENGLISH ENAMEL STERLING VESTA CASE MATCH SAFE WILLIAM J. HOLMES 1905 USED $149.00 |
 RARE WHITING STERLING FIGURAL HERALDIC KNIGHTS HEAD MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE C 1885 $295.00 |
 RARE GILBERT? STERLING FIGURAL DRAGON MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE C. 1905 $395.00 |
 RARE AMERICAN MADE KERR STERLING SILVER 2 CHERUBS & GROTESQUE FACE MATCH SAFE $255.00 |
 RARE Unusual Stg. Silver TABLE Vesta Match Safe BOX h/m 1912 Deakin & Francis $365.78 |
 RARE ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER DEAD HEAD VESTA CASE HALLMARKED BIRMINGHAM 1865 $365.58 |
 Rare 1923 English Patented Vesta Case Matchbook Holder Striker Slot Silver Plate $39.00 |
 RARE ACID ETCH POKER GAMBLER LITTLE USED STERLING VISTA CASE MATCH SAFE GORGEOUS $295.00 |