COLLECTED WORKS

Vesta Cases

vesta case is a small box designed to hold matches. Unlike today’s safety matches, the ‘friction’ matches or ‘vestas’ introduced in the 1830s were prone to ignite at the slightest touch, hence the need for a sealed container to carry them in. Vesta cases are easily identified by the fact that somewhere – often on the bottom edge – there will be a ribbed surface designed for use as a striker.

“Vesta cases may have a pedestrian function, but an amazing array of techniques and materials were used to make them,” says Jeffrey Lassaline, specialist in charge of silver and objects of vertu at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn. “At the peak of their popularity in the late 19th century, people with moderate means would most likely own a tin or brass vesta case, whereas wealthier users would carry a silver or gold one, or one that was elaborately enamelled.

“This huge diversity makes them eminently collectable. You can start with entry-level plain silver vesta cases costing as little as £20 or £30, with the option of buying better examples as your collection expands.

“Another reason collecting vesta cases is popular is the fact that they’re small, require very little looking after, and are easy to display in a vitrine cabinet. The market is holding firm, with a solid core group of collectors looking to fill gaps in their collections.”

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The earliest lots illustrated here date from the heyday of the vesta case in the late Victorian era, when colourful, meticulously enamelled cases were the height of fashion.

The case featuring an enamel of the Prussian emperor’s standard, made by London silversmith Sampson Mordan, is particularly intriguing. It features the motto ‘Gott Mit Uns’ (God is with us) and the date 1870, the year that marked the start of the war with France that led to Germany emerging as the dominant power in Europe. Was it commissioned to present to a favourite of the emperor? The enamelling is exquisitely done, and despite minor scratching and chipping the piece seems likely to exceed its modest ‘come and buy’ estimate.

Equally finely crafted is the vesta case enamelled with a scene in the style of York-born artist William Etty (1787–1849), who specialised in painting historical and mythological scenes peopled by nude male and female figures.

“It looks like a copy of a painting,” says Jeffrey, “possibly a copy of a painting in the collection of the case’s owner. The enamel is very well painted but, as with any field of collecting, condition is everything. Enamel is prone to chipping and scratching, especially an object that is frequently going in and out of a pocket. In this instance there are minor surface scratches, but otherwise it’s in good condition.” The homage to Etty went under the hammer for £1,100 earlier this year.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

The third of the enamelled vesta cases shown here is delightfully quirky, being modelled in the form of a stamped and postmarked envelope ‘addressed’ to the owner. “It’s an interesting, good quality piece,” says Jeffrey, “and it was fun to have been able to identify the person for whom it was made: Samuel Lee Rymer, a Croydon dentist who later became mayor of the town.” By the early years of the 20th century the style of high-end vesta cases had become distinctly more spartan. “The gold George V vesta case shown here is a good example of the trend,” says Jeffrey. “It’s a nicely made box – the ultimate in luxury – but its appeal doesn’t depend on artistry. What elevates it isn’t lush decoration but simply the fact that it’s made from precious metal.

“With vesta cases there’s plenty of scope for building a collection around a theme – animals, for example, or particular sports. Golf was a popular subject in the early 20th century, as was horse racing. Items like the circular vesta case stamped with a golfing scene shown here are popular because they appeal to both vesta case collectors and sports enthusiasts.”

“Novelty vesta cases are still being produced in small numbers today, and make attractive and collectable cabinet-fillers, even though they may not appeal to purists. The nicely modelled sterling silver dog’s head shown here sold last year for £200. A hallmarked example would likely have fetched between £700 and £1,000.”

The heyday of the vesta case was in the late Victorian era, when colourful, meticulously enamelled cases were the height of fashion.

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1. A Victorian silver and enamel vesta case decorated in the manner of William Etty by Lawrence Emanuel, Birmingham, 1887. Sold by Tennants for £1,100. 2. A Victorian silver and enamel vesta case featuring the Prussian emperor’s standard by Sampson Mordan & Co, London, 1887. Tennants auction estimate £300 to £500.

3. An American silver and enamel vesta case modelled as an envelope, attributed to Gorham, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1891. Sold by Tennants for £380. 4. A George V 9ct gold vesta case by Jay, Richard Attenborough Co Ltd, Chester, 1917, with associated gold chain. Tennants auction estimate £500 to £800.

5. An Edward VII silver vesta case stamped with a golfing scene by Robert Pringle and Sons, Birmingham, 1906. Sold by Tennants for £280. 6. A Continental or American silver vesta case, stamped sterling, in the form of a setter’s head, probably mid-late 20th century. Sold by Tennants for £200.

For more information about Tennants Auctioneers, or to arrange a valuation, visit tennants.co.uk or call 01969 623780.

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