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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 Art Nouveau sterling silver ornate MATCHSAFE VESTA CASE Rare Hidden Match Strike $248.00 |
 RARE NOVELTY ENGLISH SOLID STERLING SILVER CAT ANIMAL VESTA CASE 1990 $192.18 |
 FANTASTIC RARE ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE BIRMINGHAM 1885 $318.10 |
 RARE VICTORIAN SILVER NOVELTY VESTA CASE CIGARS SHAPE HALLMARKED 1887 FREEPOST $390.99 |
 RARE ANTIQUE JAPANESE BRASS FIGURAL MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE ELEPHANT $331.35 |
 B Rare Antique Sterling Salz Bros Esbelight VESTA Match Safe 175 Grams $129.95 |
 Rare SECRET OPENING Victorian Silver Vesta Match Safe h m 1897 Frederick Stone $277.88 |
 Antique Match Holder Safe Fancy Vesta Case Tobacco Smoking Rare Sterling $345.00 |
 RARE ANTIQUE 1912 Brass VESTA MATCH HOLDER SAFE CASE w Unique LOCKING Lid 3 $150.00 |
 Superb Rare Antique Victorian Griffin Match Safe Vesta Case 1880s $99.99 |