{"product_id":"1927-birmingham-sterling-silver-engraved-vesta-match-case","title":"1927–28 English Sterling Silver Vesta Case – Birmingham Hallmarks \u0026 Floral Engraving","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA finely engraved English sterling silver \u003cem\u003evesta case\u003c\/em\u003e, made for carrying matches before disposable lighters became commonplace. Its rounded rectangular body is covered with scrolling foliage, flowers and delicate tool-cut shading, with a shield-shaped central cartouche left without a monogram. A small suspension ring allows the case to be carried on a chain or fob.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe case is hallmarked with the \u003cstrong\u003eBirmingham anchor\u003c\/strong\u003e, the English \u003cstrong\u003elion passant sterling-silver mark\u003c\/strong\u003e, a maker's or sponsor's punch and a date letter appearing as \u003cstrong\u003eC\u003c\/strong\u003e. The punch style is consistent with the Birmingham \u003cstrong\u003e1927–28\u003c\/strong\u003e assay cycle, although the precise sponsor has not yet been reliably identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eObject:\u003c\/strong\u003e English silver vesta case \/ hinged match safe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Birmingham, England, indicated by the anchor hallmark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSilver:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hallmarked sterling silver (925\/1000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1927–28, from the apparent Birmingham date-letter C; dating provisional pending definitive punch comparison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense hand-finished-style floral and foliate engraving, beaded borders and reserved shield cartouche\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hinged upper cover, rounded sides, small fob\/chain attachment ring and ribbed match-striking surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sponsor's punch visible but not independently identified\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHallmarks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Photographed at close range in the gallery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e SP-SD-029\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements and weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not yet supplied\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eA Small Object from Everyday History\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA vesta case was designed to keep matches protected and close at hand. Decorative examples turned an everyday necessity into a personal accessory, often finished with a monogrammed shield. On this example the blank cartouche is part of the appeal: it leaves the engraved design uninterrupted and offers a quiet point of contrast against the surrounding scrollwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVintage\/antique pre-owned condition, showing expected handling marks and light surface wear. Please study the photographs for the hinge, interior, hallmark punches, engravings, and the condition of the striker. Matches are not included. The hinge is photographed open and closed; no restoration or fully operational spring guarantee is claimed beyond what is visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthenticity \u0026amp; Shipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e421Luxury guarantees the item as a genuine hallmarked sterling silver vesta case as described. Assay office, silver standard and provisional date are distinguished from an as-yet unidentified maker. Packed securely and dispatched from Turin, Italy, with tracked, signature-required delivery where available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"421Luxury","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":55144214888794,"sku":"SP-SD-029","price":220.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/6544\/4954\/files\/1927-birmingham-sterling-silver-floral-vesta-match-case-open-three-quarter-sp-sd-029.jpg?v=1794182216","url":"https:\/\/421luxury.com\/products\/1927-birmingham-sterling-silver-engraved-vesta-match-case","provider":"421Luxury","version":"1.0","type":"link"}