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 Postal Enamel Sterling Silver Matchsafe Match Safe 1903 Dr Ambos Bronx NY $212.50 |
 Antique Solid Silver Talbot Greyhound Vesta Case Birmingham 1894 Rare $61.14 |
 VERY RARE VICTORIAN STANHOPE VESTA CASE MATCH SAFE MATCHSAFE MEMORY OF FORRES $150.00 |
 BEAUTIFUL RARE ANTIQUE 1897 STERLING SILVER 9CT GOLD HALLMARKED VESTA CASE $117.08 |
 NICE RARE LE PEAGE ANTIQUE SILVER PLATED VESTA CASE FRENCH CIRCA 1890 $117.08 |
 Rare antique match safe man shooting pool snooker Rd 20020 c 1893 $149.00 |
 RARE NOVELTY ENGLISH SOLID STERLING SILVER CAT ANIMAL VESTA CASE 1979 $188.62 |
 Rare Victorian Silver Rotating Hand Gaming Sporting Vesta Case S Mordan 1896 $780.51 |
 RARE Edwardian Silver Shibayama Insect Vesta Case T H Hazlewood 1907 $455.30 |
 RARE STERLING SILVER COMBINATION SOVEREIGN STAMP VESTA CASE 1909 ANTIQUE $370.74 |