Antique brass vesta case in shape of violin
c. 1890 - 1920Brass vesta case modelled as a miniature violin or cello.
It has a hinged piece of ribbed brass at the base which opens to reveal the internal cavity of the violin. This has been repaired at some point as there is solder around the joint.
Matches would be stored inside and struck on the ribbing to light.
There are no maker's marks on the item.
Vesta cases were primarily produced from the early 1830s to the 1920s, with their peak popularity occurring in the Victorian era, between 1890 and 1920. They were designed to hold early friction matches (known as wax vestas).
This particular vesta case is a novelty item made from brass. Other cases in the collection include metal tins and small carboard lidded containers. These are more functuonal than aesthetically pleasing.
Details
Details
Other items from Recollections of War
-
Silver identity badge made from coin suspended on black bow brooch - Trevelyan Ethelbert Bainbridge
-
WWI era paper doll of British Army Officer made from card and cloth
-
WWI identity disc made from a coin for John Stephen Shimmin, N.Z.E.F.
-
Miniature metal full cheek, loose ring, snaffle horse bridle bit
-
Welcome Home presentation medal from the Citizens of Lidcombe, 1919
-
Miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
-
Sterling silver pendant or fob named to Lieutenant T. Walker, 1915
-
'Lest we forget ANZAC' tie or lapel pin
-
Heart-shaped sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds for wounded soldiers on first Anzac Day - 13th October 1915
-
Fundraising medallion sold to support Thames Red Cross Day - 1915
-
World War One era double-sided photographic pendant locket - Lord Kitchener and General French
-
Birmingham Battalion lapel badge converted to photo locket
Scan this QR code to open this page on your phone ->
