JAMES DEAKIN & SONS 1911 Chester Curved Vesta Matches Box In .925 Sterling
A sterling vesta matches curved box by James Deakin & Sons.
This is a very rare vesta box for matches created in Chester, England at the silversmith atelier of James Deakin & Sons. The piece has been masterfully crafted in 1911 in an elegant oval shape using solid sterling silver of .925/.999 standard, finished with refined engraved floriated decoration that enhances its sophisticated Edwardian appearance. The design is both functional and highly decorative, featuring a concealed compartment with a hinged lid for storing matches, an integrated grooved striker element for igniting them, and a suspension ring allowing the piece to be worn on a chain or chatelaine. The compact proportions and seamless construction reflect the exceptional attention to detail and superior craftsmanship expected from distinguished London silversmiths of the period.
Elegant and practical, the vesta box displays a timeless aesthetic with clean lines and refined proportions, while the engine-turned surface adds depth, texture, and visual sophistication. The piece remains in remarkable original condition, with no dents, repairs, or restorations, preserving its authenticity and collector appeal. Rare, beautifully executed, and increasingly difficult to find in such preserved condition, this sterling silver vesta case is an outstanding example of fine English silver craftsmanship and a highly collectible object of functional antique design.
Country: London, United Kingdom.
Maker: James Deakin & Sons Silversmiths.
Period: Victorian, 1865.
Materials: Engine turned .925 Sterling silver.
Weight: 38.4 Grams, (24.65 Dwt).
Measurements: H-50 mm by L-52 mm by D-12 mm (1.97 x 2.05 x 0.47 Inches).
Hallmarks Stamped with British marks as follows, the lion passant for England, the mark for the city of Chester, the maker's mark JDWD associated to James Deakin & Sons and the letter code L for the date 1911.
James Deakin & Sons
The firm was founded in Sheffield by James Deakin in 1866. The first mark was entered by the firm in Sheffield Assay Office on 31 January 1878. It was a "JD" over "WD" and, possibly, represented the partnership of James Deakin and his son William Pitchford Deakin. The firm was active at Sidney Works, Matilda Street, Sheffield. In 1886 two further sons entered in the partnership, John Deakin and Albert Deakin, and the firm was then known as James Deakin & Sons. Further marks were entered in London Assay Office (1888) by William and John Deakin (subsidiary offices and showrooms at 48 Holborn Viaduct, London), Chester and Birmingham. Further offices and showrooms were opened at Gardiner House, 14 Charterhouse Street, London, 34 St. Enoch Square, Glasgow and 7 Queen Street, Belfast. After the retirement of James Deakin (1893) the business was continued by his sons William, John and Albert. In 1897 the firm was converted into a limited liability company under the style James Deakin & Sons Ltd. The firm was the proprietor of Shaw and Fisher, Electro-plate Manufacturers (established 1835) and of Walter Latham & Son, Sterling Silver & Electro-plate manufacturers (established 1874). In 1935, James Deakin & Sons Ltd was part of an ill-fated merger "Silver & Steel crafts Ltd" that included Fenton Bros and J.H. Potter & Sons. The combine collapsed within three years. In 1961 the brand was part of the "MONOGRAM" CUTLERY GROUP belonging to I.S. Dearden & Sons Ltd, manufacturing holloware and flatware under the "Bell brand" in the patterns 'Gordon', 'Balmoral' and 'Empire'. To avoid any confusion with the production of another Sheffield manufacturer having the same initials JD&S (James Dixon & Sons) the firm used in its silverplate production a figural trade mark representing a 'desk bell' (often interpreted as a 'lamp'). Likewise, Dixon used a figural trade mark (registered in 1879) representing a 'bugle'.
Condition: The overall condition of this vesta matches box by James Deakin & Sons is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver and all parts are secured in the settings. This box was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D052726AEEJ/1.138
