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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 c1890 RARE ANTIQUE BRASS PIG MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE USA $59.99 |
 EXTREMELY RARE ANTIQUE EARLY VICTORIAN 1853 SOLID STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE $45.66 |
 VERY RARE VICTORIAN STANHOPE VESTA CASE MATCH SAFE MATCHSAFE MEMORY OF FORRES $150.00 |
 Very RARE 1900s JOHN DEERE PLOW CO SILVER PLATE MATCH SAFELK $570.00 |
 RARE ANTIQUE 1912 Brass VESTA MATCH HOLDER SAFE CASE w Unique LOCKING Lid 3 $175.00 |
 c 1900 RARE ANTIQUE HAND PAINTED DOG YELLOW ROSE GP MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE $59.99 |
 RARE NOVELTY ENGLISH SOLID STERLING SILVER CAT ANIMAL VESTA CASE 1979 $183.89 |
 Rare The Security Lightning Rod Co Advertising Antique Match Safe Burlington WI $165.00 |
 RARE STERLING SILVER COMBINATION WHISTLE VESTA CASE 1897 ANTIQUE VICTORIAN $361.44 |
 RARE STERLING SILVER COMBINATION SOVEREIGN STAMP VESTA CASE 1909 ANTIQUE $361.44 |