Vesta Cases are small containers designed to hold the early form of friction matches. The matches first appeared in the 1830’s and were patented by William Newton. He named them ‘Vestas’ after the Roman goddess of the hearth who symbolised fire and home.
Because of the matches ability to be easily lighted, they needed a case to prevent accidental ignition and to protect from moisture and damage.
Vesta cases were often engraved with intricate designs and details – some were produced to commemorate important events. The more expensive had a gold wash interior to prevent corrosion from the chemicals in the match heads.
The smallest versions were portable, and people often wore them suspended from a Fob or Albert chain.
The easiest way to recognise them is that they usually have a ribbed surface on the bottom for lighting the matches.
Next week we will be talking about Vinaigrettes…