Antique Silver Heart Vesta Case 

A beautiful heart-shaped, Edwardian, solid silver vesta case. Engraved with a simple three petal flower design. It has an empty cartouche on the front. It has a hinged lid that opens and closes smoothly and firmly.

Vesta cases were introduced in the early 19^th century following the manufacture of friction matches in 1826. These matches could ignite spontaneously if carried loosely in a pocket and were a potential danger to the carrier. Vesta cases were carried predominantly by men because at that time smoking was considered to be a masculine habit. The demise of the vesta case began in 1926 when pocket-sized petrol lighters were invented.

The hallmarks are all clear and identifiable on the inside lip of the body: Chester Assay Office with a date mark of 1902; the lion passant indicates it is sterling silver; the maker’s mark of C.L&S is for Charles Lyster and Son. On the outer edge of the lid are the hallmarks of the lion passant and date.

Despite a few very small indents on the top of the lid, this vesta case is in a very good antique condition befitting its age of 119 years.

DIMENSIONS (approx): 45x40mm