Perhaps you have heard of the expression, “keeping your powder dry.” While it was important to keep your matches dry in the 1800s, match safes, also known as vesta cases (things often worn on chains and kept in vests or pockets), were indispensable accessories from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. Their purpose was to store matches, which were prone to getting wet or damp and to accidental ignition due to their friction-sensitive composition. Matches were crucial tools for lighting candles, lamps and stoves (and smoking too), and this made match safes both practical and necessary. The peak of match safe popularity coincided with the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when the use of matches was an important part of everyday life. Soon they became a fashion statement and a symbol of status.
Match safes were crafted from various materials, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistic trends of their time. The most common material was silver, prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal. A poor man may have had a safe made of wood or metal, but a wealthy man would have one made of silver; and silver versions are the most often seen. Silver match safes often featured intricate engravings, repoussé work, and enamel inlays, often in whimsical shapes, showcasing the skill of the artisans who created them. For the wealthy gentleman or lady, match safes made of gold and often adorned with gemstones and elaborate designs, made them luxurious items that displayed wealth and sophistication. The rarest we ever owned was a large one almost 5 inches long in 18k gold, inlaid with gold in quartz.
The Appeal of Unusual Forms
For collectors, one of the most interesting aspects of match safes is the variety of shapes and forms they come in. Most were simply box shaped, rectangular or cylindrical, designed purely for function; more unusual forms are highly sought after. These unique shapes range from animals and everyday objects to whimsical and fantastical designs.
We recently bought (for 20% over the gold value) this highly unusual match safe in solid gold shaped like an owl wearing a top hat. When gold was $50 per ounce, match safes such as this brought 3 to 5 times the gold value; but with gold so high today – around $2,400 per ounce — it is likely we will sell it for less than double the gold value.
Three former Sothebyscom associates and three art historians
on staff. We will buy for cash or consign to auction
any of your rare, valuable antiques, prints, jewelry
or collectibles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This is an archival article formerly written and is for informational purposes only. The valuations in this article have likely changed since it was first written.
