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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 VERY RARE VICTORIAN STANHOPE VESTA CASE MATCH SAFE MATCHSAFE MEMORY OF FORRES EUR 174,02 |
 Rare Antique Victorian Solid Silver Early Vesta Case London 1875 60g EUR 44,59 |
 RARE CHINESE EXPORT SILVER VESTA MATCH SAFE CASE c1900 ANTIQUE 24g EUR 174,75 |
 Very Rare Unusual Antique Silver Plated Matchsafe Vesta Snuff Box Faultless EUR 35,55 |
 Rare Stg Silver Vesta Match Safe DOLPHIN h m 1908 Michael Emanuel Southampton EUR 354,48 |
 NICE RARE LE PEAGE ANTIQUE SILVER PLATED VESTA CASE FRENCH CIRCA 1890 EUR 131,24 |
 RARE Antique Glass Sterling Silver Match Striker 1909 holder matchsafe vesta EUR 144,62 |
 RARE MAN ON TOILET OUTHOUSE NOVELTY HUMOUR GENUINE ANTIQUE MATCH VESTA CASE EUR 150,65 |
 NICE RARE TRICK OPENING ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER VESTA CASE BIRMINGHAM 1888 EUR 289,24 |
 Rare Antique Bubble Brass Vesta Case Match Safe Holder Striker EUR 56,16 |