1 In Stock
S 390 Sterling Silver Vesta Case Chester 1910
This is a sterling silver vesta case made in 1910. It is nicely curved to fit comfortably in the pocket of a waistcoat or to hang from a châtelaine.
There is a small lip on the lid to help thumb open the sprung loaded top. The spring is still working and closes the lid firmly. A small ring is fitted just below the sprung hinge to attached the vesta case to a chain.
There is a full hallmark from the Chester assay office with the mark for sterling silver, a date letter for 1910 and the maker mark for John & William Deakin of James Deakin & Sons Ltd.
Measuring around 45 mm wide by 45 mm high and 8 mm thick, the case weighs in at 30.8 grams.
The item is in excellent condition and free from any dings or dents which is surprising for a silver item of over 100 years of age. Unfortunately the photographs do not do the item justice.
Collector Notes
Friction matches were first introduced around the mid 1800´s. These early friction matches, which were also called vestas and lucifers, and were prone to bursting into flame in a user’s pocket. Vesta cases keep the matches or fire sticks from rubbing together and combusting prematurely. The golden age of vesta cases was around 1870 until the 1930s, when matchbooks and cigarette lighters became popular.
The firm was founded in Sheffield by James Deakin in 1866. 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 name James Deakin & Sons Ltd.
JD over WD into a shield, for James Deakin & Sons was entered c.1888 by John and William Deakin
kr900.00
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