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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 Seltenes antikes Sterling Silber Vesta Etui Wachshalter Kombi London 1902 EUR 308,42 |
 Antik Sterling Silber Gold Vermeil 1881 Jenner Knewstub Vesta Etui RAR EUR 441,42 |
 Seltenes japanisches Messing Vesta Etui Streichholz Safe Halter EUR 88,68 |
 Seltene GEHEIMERFFNUNG viktorianische Silber Vesta Streichholz Safe h m 1897 Frederick Stone EUR 227,01 |
 RAR Stg Silber Vesta Streichholz Safe + Stempelhalter + Souvern Halter H M 1906 EUR 513,65 |
 Seltenes schn graviertes massives Silber Gothic Victorian Vesta Etui 1880 EUR 123,25 |
 SELTENES STERLINGSILBER EMAILLE CHRIST COLLEGECAMBRIDGE UNI VESTA ETUI 1920 ANTIK EUR 257,97 |
 RAR Ausgefallen Stg Silber TISCH Vesta Streichholz Safe BOX h m 1912 Deakin Francis EUR 272,88 |
 Antique Brass Match Vesta Case Very raresehr selten 100 EUR 32,00 |
 Seltenes Sammlerstck Messing Baby Vesta Etui Streichholz Safe Halter EUR 129,62 |