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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 Rare Vintage Breast Corset Torso Vesta Match Strike Case $367.09 |
 Rare Prince Albert Match Safe Tin $22.00 |
 Rare Sterling Silver KERR Match Safe coiled Rattle Snake Art Nouveau $995.00 |
 RARE Antique Pocket Silveroin Match Safe Vesta Art Nouveau Nude Lady Ornate $69.99 |
 A RARE LATE VICTORIAN ANTIQUE SILVER PLATED CAST LION HEAD VESTA CASE C1890s $92.46 |
 B Rare Antique Sterling Salz Bros Esbelight VESTA Match Safe 175 Grams $74.99 |
 RARE ANTIQUE TIN MASONIC LODGE FRATERNAL MATCH SAFE $74.99 |
 Very Rare Sterling Silver Griffin Vesta Case Match Safe Holder $178.76 |
 Rare Victorian Solid Silver Suitcase Vesta Case George Unite Birmingham 1880 $129.44 |
 RARE ANTIQUE HAND STICHED LEATHER MATCH SAFE HOLDER WITH STRIKER $24.00 |