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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 1879 VESTA CASE STERLING SILVER
$650.00
Hidden away in a pocket or suspended from a watch chain, Victorian vesta cases were everyday objects elevated to an art form. This beautifully preserved example is crafted in Sterling Silver and covered in intricate ivy engraving, with every surface alive with detail. A shield-shaped cartouche to the front bears an elegant monogram, adding another layer of history to an already character-filled piece. Fitted with a good-sized bale to the top.
The hinged lid opens smoothly to reveal its original purpose, while the ivy motif speaks to Victorian symbolism of fidelity, friendship and enduring connection. Equally at home worn as a pendant or displayed as part of a collection, it’s the kind of object that sparks conversation and rewards a closer look. With hallmarks for London, Sterling Silver, 1879.
What You’ll Love:
The gorgeous all-over ivy engraving combined with stunning patina add to the feeling of owning a small piece of Victorian life that has survived beautifully through the generations.
Vesta Cases, a Brief History:
Vesta cases emerged in the early 1830s following the invention of "wax vestas" (early friction matches) in 1832. Because these early matches were highly volatile and prone to accidental combustion, these small, protective cases, often fitted with a spring-hinged lid and a bottom striker plate were designed to keep them safe and dry.
Timeline of production and popularity includes:
- The 1830s: Cases were first introduced in England.
- 1890–1920: This was the "golden age" for vesta cases. They were widely carried by virtually everyone to light candles, oil lamps, pipes, and cigarettes.
- The 1920’s–1930’s: Production rapidly declined and they became obsolete. The rise of disposable matchbooks and the invention of petrol-fuelled lighters (such as the first Ronson lighter in 1926 and the Zippo in 1932) replaced the need for match safes.
*Chain is for display only.
THE DETAILS:
DROP: 7.1cm
METAL: Sterling Silver, 925
HALLMARKS: London, Silver, 1879
WEIGHT: 25 grams
CONDITION: In excellent antiquecondition, hinge open and closes smoothly, no dints, some very slight fading to etched details, nothing to distract from the beauty and condition of the piece overall
*Investing in a vintage, antique, or fine piece of jewellery can be a big step so we offer a full refund or equivalent store credit if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase.
*All our gems and jewellery are genuine and authenticated in house with sophisticated testing equipment and a qualified GAA Gemmologist.
*Boxes in photos are for display only.
Shipping Details:
All our pieces come in a custom R&V Velvet Flock Box and are securely packaged in a cardboard box for extra protection during shipping.
Because we know you want your goodies fast we send all our beauties Express Delivery throughout Australia for FREE!
Australia Wide Shipping FREE Express Delivery estimated arrival 1-2 business days.
Handling 1-2 business days.
All deliveries are insured, tracked, and are signature on delivery.
And for our International friends we also offer FREE Express shipping.
*Shipping services to the USA may incur additional Tariffs on arrival.
- We ship internationally with Australia Post International Express Shipping.
- Delivery 5-10 business days between major metropolitan areas.
- Handling 1-2 business days.
- Tracking included.
- CN23 Customs Form completed by us on our end (further customs charges may apply at your end).
- Insured to a max of $250AUD ($850AUD for NZ), any additional insurance is the purchaser's responsibility and can be arranged by contacting us prior to shipping (additional insurance may trigger customs duties).
- Please allow additional time for customs clearance.
- Any additional customs chargers/duties are the purchaser's responsibility.
Laybuys Welcome:
We’d hate you to miss out, so we offer lay-buy on all our pieces.
All you’ll need is a 25% deposit and then you’ll have up to 3 months to pay.
Simply select 'Put It On Laybuy' in checkout at payment options.
Click here for our Ts & Cs https://rockandvestige.com.au/pages/lay-buy-purchases
Resizing:
- What's my ring size? Click here for our Ring Size Guide.
- We offer resizing on all rings that are eligible (we will note whether a ring can be altered or not).
- All resizing is done in-house and is guaranteed.
- Resizing is FREE on all rings.
- Resizing takes 5-10 business days.
- Contact us on hello@rockandvestige.com.au to arrange and confirm sizing and additional costs if required after your purchase.
Let customers speak for us
Absolutely fabulous dealing with R&V highly recommend them 💍
Another beautiful ring from Rock & Vestige: I have been holding out for an Aquamarine ring for a long time. Excellent service as ways - thank you Claire and Darren x
Vintage amethyst bracelet ❤️
Thankyou Darrin & Claire for your 5 star ⭐️ beautiful jewellery, customer service & support . You guys ROCK & best ever to purchase from .
Highly recommend
I’ve purchased three pieces from Claire and Darrin, including two custom-made rings, and every experience has been fantastic. Claire is incredibly kind, knowledgeable and easy to work with, while Darrin is exceptionally talented and always brings my ideas to life even better than I imagined. Their pricing is fair, the craftsmanship is beautiful, and the packaging always makes receiving a piece feel special. I highly recommend them and am already planning my fourth piece!
Leila S.
Rock & Vestige
What a stunning pendant!
Absolutely delighted with this gorgeous citrine pendant. Great size, stunning colour.
Vintage Garnet & Seed Pearl Pendant Locket
A rather stunning statement piece to add to my collection. I have had many lovely comments when wearing it and surprise everyone with the locket hidden at the back.
It’s beautiful, thank you
Great service
Claire and Darrin are very responsive and helpful too which makes your online shopping experience seamless.
Ros M.
Rock & Vestige
Stunning!
Another great purchase from Rock and Vestige. Such a stunning ring. Chunky, bezel set, natural Tourmaline in the most gorgeous pink. I’ve not seen anything like it, but that’s what I like about Rock and Vestige. They offer a range of jewellery, antique, vintage and modem and different so there’s something for everyone. Claire and Darrin are always responsive and helpful too which makes the online experience even better.
Purple Passion
My new amethyst and diamond earrings from Claire and Darrin have inspired my new violet/ purple love affair. Gorgeous gemstones and the deep lustrous colour quite stunning.Quickly delivered, no fuss and beautifully packaged. Thank you again Rock and Vestige for a little bling my life🩷
Rubies
Love it so much - fits perfectly and the rubies are amazing
Gorgeous
I have been looking for a pendant for a long time. This one is exactly what I needed. It’s stunning
Darrin and Claire are great.
Darrin and Claire are great. Communication is excellent. Really quick response. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
Anne G.
Rock & Vestige
Happy Little Buyer :-)
I have been buying pieces from Claire and Darrin for a few years now. Their service and quality of items have always been on point. If you’re thinking about buying a piece from R&V, don’t hesitate as your are in great hands. They will look after you.
Brie :.
Rock & Vestige
Consistently captivating
This is my 40th Rock n Vestige purchase…
When I say this team has impressed me consistently with the quality of the pieces they offer and the service they deliver, I’m not exaggerating!
From my first to my fortieth, my shopping experience with Rock and Vestige has been unparalleled.
A seller I trust, and one I’ll unreservedly recommend.