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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 Vintage Brass Owl Vesta Case with Red Large Eyes Flip Lid Jewelry Rare Old 20th $399.00 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $399.00 |
 RARE Antique Brass Monk Shoe Boot Vesta Match Safe $270.00 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $270.00 |
 RARE VICTORIAN WHITE METAL PIQUE HINGED VESTA CASE c1890 $240.05 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $240.05 |
 Rare Vintage Griswold Cast Iron Double Pocket Match Safe Holder With Cherubs $59.99 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Rare Antique Hercules Powder Co Match Safe Mining Celluloid $28.79 ( 12 bids) Bids) |
 RARE 4 3 8 HAND PAINTED NIPPON INDIAN CHIEF MATCH SAFE HOLDER JAPAN EXCELLENT $150.00 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $150.00 |
 Combo match safe sterling by Wm Neale Brooks Crookes knife cutter RARE $225.00 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $225.00 |
 Match safe pistol gun cigar cutter leather over metal c 1895 VERY RARE $249.00 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $249.00 |
 Rare Antique Japanese Match Safe Vesta Meiji period Cat holding Rat $500.00 ( Bids) Buy It Now for only: $500.00 |
 RARE EARLY DATED NATHANIEL MILLS ENGLISH ANTIQUE 1842 STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE $48.01 ( 16 bids) Bids) |