VESTA CASE 1920 Germany Art Deco Matches Box In 14Kt Gold & Sterling Silver
A vesta matches box in gold and sterling attributed to Louis Kuppenheim.
A beautiful vesta box for matches created in Germany during the early art deco period, back in the 1920. The vesta box has been carefully crafted with a curved shape and geometric patterns in solid .935/.999 sterling silver and parts of 14 karats rose and yellow gold. This box show exceptional workmanship with remarkably details as you expect from the iconic jewelry workshop of Louis Kuppenheim. The vesta is fitted with a hinge and a tension element for fastening opening and a movable ring to attach to a fob or a chain.
Country: Germany.
Weight: 29.35 Grams, (18.85 Dwt).
Measurements: The vesta box for matches is 45 mm by 51 mm by 8 mm (1.77 x 2.0 x 0.32 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with German marks as follows, "935 STERLING" and electronically tested for yellow and rose gold of 14 karats as .585/.999 Au.
German Hallmarks
The German hallmarking system was unified in 1888 (Decree January 7, 1886) adopting the national mark "Crescent and crown" (Halbmond und Reichskrone) for silver and the "Sun and Crown" (Sonne und Reichskrone) for gold. Silver fineness is expressed in thousands with a minimum silver content of 800/1000, but 830, 835, 900, 925 and 935 purities are also used. The alphabetic or figural maker's symbol complete the hallmark. This system, still active in present days, is used for cutlery, plates or other silverware. In the area of silver jewelry only the silver content mark is more often present.
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 German Vesta matches case is presented in a jewelry pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this German Vesta matches case is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver or the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This box has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D051225MENG/.8701
