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 ANTIQUE BRASS ELEPHANT HEAD GLASS EYES MATCH SAFE VESTA CASE C1900 EUR 182,95 |
 Art Nouveau sterling silver ornate MATCHSAFE VESTA CASE Rare Hidden Match Strike EUR 209,67 |
 RARE Stg Silver Vesta Match Safe + Stamp Holder + Sovereign Holder h m 1906 EUR 516,75 |
 Victorian Vesta Case Bell Black Match Co Ltd Metal Ship Rg 1880 Rare Matchsafe EUR 57,61 |
 SUPERB RARE MINT CONDITION ENGLISH ANTIQUE 1902 STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE 34g EUR 41,52 |
 RARE SILVER TINDER BOX VESTA CASE BIRMINGHAM 1826 JOHN THROPP EUR 259,53 |
 Rare Victorian Novelty Brass Vesta Case Match Safe Form of Ladies Bustierre EUR 68,05 |
 RARE VICTORIAN Stg Silver Vesta Match Safe + SAFETY CHAIN h m1897Joseph Gloster EUR 274,52 |
 Rare Victorian Era combination Vesta Case and Sovereign holder w tools COMPLETE EUR 295,91 |
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RARE Stg Silver Vesta Match Safe + Stamp Holder + Sovereign holder h m 1906 EUR 543,07 |