-Cartier Paris 1910 Vesta Mechanical Matches Box In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Sapphire

Mechanical matches Box designed by Cartier.

This is a very rare mechanical vesta matches box, created during the Edwardian period in Paris France by the house of Cartier, back in the 1910. The box has been made up in a cushioned shape and decorated with linear patterns. It was carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish and is fitted with a mechanical system to raise the lid and open the matches compartment. The   push-button is embellished with a blue sapphire.

Cartier in Paris

In 1899, following the impetus of Louis, the eldest of the three Cartier brothers, the Maison moved to 13 rue de la Paix, in the heart of Parisian high society. It is here, behind this majestic black marble façade, that the most beautiful pages of Cartier's creative adventure were written. The history of this legendary address, which began at the dawn of the 20th century, is inseparable from the invention of modernity and its perpetual movement.

Sapphire: Mount in a bezel setting, with 1 round cabochon cut (4 x 4 x 3 mm) of a blue sapphire with about 0.45 carats.

Weight: 28.20 grams, (18.10 Dwt.).

Measures: 43 mm by 40 mm by 12 mm (1.70 x 1.57 x 0.47 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the maker's mark C&O, twice with the mark of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18 karats gold, the four-digits serial numbers and signed, "CARTIER PARIS-LONDON 1225".

Vesta boxes

Vesta cases are small portable boxes made to contain matches and keep them dry. They take their name from the Roman goddess of fire and the hearth, although in the United States they are more prosaically know as match safes. The first successful friction match appeared in 1826, and in 1832 William Newton patented the "wax vesta" in England. It consisted of a wax stem with embedded cotton threads and a tip of phosphorus. Antique Vesta Cases were made popular in Victorian times where they were worn on a chatelaine belt or men's fob to contain wax matches. They're usually solid sterling silver, and on the rare occasion, solid gold. Quite often engraved with the owner's initials.

Collateral: This vesta matches box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this vesta box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The gemstones is secured in the settings. This box has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P060823STNM/.6778