Rare Sterling Silver Mounted Kola Nut Match Safe Vesta Antique Birmingham circa 1898
vvv240163.T
£205.00
Antique Late Victorian period Top Quality, Rare Match Safe or Vesta case manufactured from a polished Kola Nut mounted with Sterling silver including a central set Shield cartouche engraved with the initials 'SRM' a striking plate to the bottom for matches stored within the vesta and a fantastic silver hinge fitting with double trim floral engraved swag gallery terminating with a button catch to the mouth so as to serve for when opening and closing the vesta case, the inner lip to the case is gilt finished and impressed with good clear markings indicating Birmingham assay office circa 1898 with the makers mark for Hilliard & Thomason of Spencer Street, Birmingham.
A Fine Example and in very good condition throughout with the Kola nut having a lovely aged waxy patina, similarly the silver mounts also yield a pleasing patination.
There are no damages to the vesta, the item appearing to have seen little or no use in its long life.
When closed shut the vesta measures 5 cm x 5 cm x 1.5 cm or 2 inches x 2 inches x 0.0.5 inches, a perfect size to hold in the hand as well as for the pocket.
Still perfectly useable as well as being a fine addition to any collection,.
weight : 19.6 grams or 0.69 ounces