What is a Vesta Case?

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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Dragon Match Safe Unger Bros Sterling Silver Vesta Case Matchsafe RARE
Dragon Match Safe Unger Bros Sterling Silver Vesta Case Matchsafe RARE
$999.99

Extremley Rare Old Match Safe Frank P Torrence Cigar Broker Springfield Ohio
Extremley Rare Old Match Safe Frank P Torrence Cigar Broker Springfield Ohio
$175.00

Vintage Rare Alligator Skin Leather Match Safe Case Holder With Match Strike
Vintage Rare Alligator Skin Leather Match Safe Case Holder With Match Strike
$84.00

John Woods  Sons TX Match Safe  Stamp Holder RARE
John Woods Sons TX Match Safe Stamp Holder RARE
$99.99

Alturas California CA Hotel Niles Match Case Safe Rare Issued Trade Tokens
Alturas California CA Hotel Niles Match Case Safe Rare Issued Trade Tokens
$30.00

RARE Marbles Antique Outing Set No 301 Metal Compass  Match Safe ORIGINAL BOX
RARE Marbles Antique Outing Set No 301 Metal Compass Match Safe ORIGINAL BOX
$7.04

RARE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE VESTA BOX BIRMINGHAM 1890
RARE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE VESTA BOX BIRMINGHAM 1890
$170.50

RARE NOVELTY SOLID STERLING SILVER SKULL VESTA CASE c1980
RARE NOVELTY SOLID STERLING SILVER SKULL VESTA CASE c1980
$183.13

Rare Antique Cast Iron Woodpecker Match Safe Strike Holder Mechanical Dispenser
Rare Antique Cast Iron Woodpecker Match Safe Strike Holder Mechanical Dispenser
$65.00

Rare Vintage Pewter Vesta Case Match Safe Trinket Box
Rare Vintage Pewter Vesta Case Match Safe Trinket Box
$28.99


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