ART-NOUVEAU 1890 Germany Unusual Vesta Matches Box In Solid Gilt Brass

An antique German vesta box with art-nouveau motifs.

This is an amazing and very rare vesta matches box, created in northern Europe with Art-Nouveau motifs, between the 1890-95. The vesta box has been crafted in Germany or Austria in solid brass with gilt finish and engine turned patterns. Designed with a very unusual motif of a very cute smiling and happy baby inside a shirt. The craftsmanship and condition is exceptional with little trace of wear, very sharp and crisp with beautiful aged patina. Fitted with a concealed tree-barrels hinge, a snap closure system and striated lines for rasp the matches.

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.

Country: Northern Europe, German or Austrian

Period: Art-Nouveau, 1890-1895.

Motif: Baby sleeping inside a shirt.

Materials: Gilt brass, engine turned decorations.

Weight: 34.3 Grams, (22.10 Dwt). 

Measurements: 61 mm by 27 mm by 18 mm (2.40 x 1.06 x 0.71 Inches).

Hallmarks: Unmarked.

Collateral: This German Art-nouveau Vesta box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

Condition: The overall condition of this German Art-nouveau Vesta matches box is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the brass and all parts are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D111924SNNK/.6659