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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 Antique Vesta Case Victorian Memento Mori Skull Engraved Silver c1880s RARE $541.72 |
 Art Nouveau sterling silver ornate MATCHSAFE VESTA CASE Rare Hidden Match Strike $248.00 |
 Rare match safe gold strapwork on sterling scrolls foliage nocturnal candle $99.00 |
 Rare Japanese Shibayama match safe figural mailbox shape w insects c 1900 $99.00 |
 NICE RARE NUT DESIGN ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE BIRMINGHAM 1902 $247.43 |
 RARE Unusual Stg Silver TABLE Vesta Match Safe BOX h m 1912 Deakin Francis $337.84 |
 Rare SECRET OPENING Victorian Silver Vesta Match Safe h m 1897 Frederick Stone $272.17 |
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Rare SECRET OPENING Victorian Silver Vesta Match Safe h m 1897 Frederick Stone $285.90 |
 RARE Stg Silver Vesta Match Safe + Stamp Holder + Sovereign holder h m 1906 $639.88 |
 Rare Victorian Stg Silver Vesta Match Safe h m 1899 Sheffield future Edward V11 $327.15 |