-Peter Hertz 1857 Denmark Vesta Cigar Cutter Lighter Box In .925 Sterling Silver

Multifunctional vesta lighter box designed by Peter Hertz (1811-1885).

Beautiful antique vesta case, created in Copenhagen Denmark at the silversmiths workshop of Peter Hertz in 1857. It was crafted in solid .925/.999 silver standard and decorated with incised and engraved organics motifs with scrolls. This vesta box is very unusual and multifunctional, since is fitted with one hinged rectangular lid with a push button to storage the matches and another one as a cigar cutter. Attached with a cylinder of 8 mm to stick the cord wick and a chained hook to pinch the wick.

This unusual vesta box is of very early production and most likely very advanced in design for its time. Although we have found several pieces of silver jewelry and hollowware made by the silversmith Peter Hertz, we have not been able to locate another vesta box.

Weight: 39.45 Grams, (25.29 Dwt).

Measurements: 72 mm by 32 mm by 12 mm (2.83 x 1.26 x 0.47 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with two sets of Danish marks; the three towers mark for the city of Copenhagen with the 57 for 1857, the maker's mark PH associated to Peter Hertz, the monogram mark PRH for the "Stadsguardien Maerker" (assayer) Peter R. Hinnerup (1840-1868), two times with the 57 mark inside a circle and signed, "P. HERTZ 57".

Peter Hertz Company

The company was founded on 29 November 1834 by goldsmith Peter Hertz (1811-1885). Hertz's two sons, Sally Hertz (1844-1896) and Jacob Hertz (1846), took over the operations in 1875. They also established a silver factory under the name S. & J. Hertz. Jacob Hertz became the sole owner of the firm after his brother's death. Johan A. Hertz (born 1876) became a partner in the firm in 1917 and was its sole owner from 1945. P. Hertz is based at the corner of Købmagergade and Kronprinsensgade in central Copenhagen. The building dates from 1785 and was designed by Johan Peter Boye Junge. Peter Hertz ran his business from the premises from 1841 and purchased the building in 1856. The building is now owned by Kgl. hofjuveler Knud Hertz og hustru Lilia Hertz Fond. Actually P. Hertz is a leading Danish jeweler based at Købmagergade 34 in Copenhagen. They are purveyor to the Court of Denmark.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

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

INVENTORY REF: D082423MONL/1.169