For those who look back fondly on the days of yore, or like to collect a reminder of the era, the vintage vesta case is a bit of charm, with a dash of utility. The above photo is a weathered little metal box that was formerly an integral part of daily life. Looks so simple now but its got some history and good craftsmanship. A vintage vesta case is not just an object; it is a piece of history with a story.
A vesta case, which is also called a match safe, is a small container designed for holding friction matches. The popularity of these cases increased from the 19th century to the 20th century. “Vesta” is a word for the Roman goddess of the hearth and the home, an appropriate name for something that kept fire safe.
At the time, matches were hazardous — they could catch fire from moisture or friction. A vintage vesta case provided people with a means to protect matches and keep them secure.
Craftsmen turned out vesta cases in an array of styles — sterling silver, brass, pewter, enamel, and for the more extravagant, the most luxurious examples being of ivory or tortoiseshell. The one in the picture looks like a less ostentatious, more practical model. Its metal body, a little patinated over the years, says it has had some mileage on it.