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Friction matches were invented in the 1830s. On occasion, these sulfur-tipped matches would combust, due to the heat of friction, without any warning. Vesta cases, or matchboxes, were meant to prevent this explosion from happening by keeping the matches dry and safe. The idea of a vesta case stemmed from the snuffbox, and typically had a rectangular shape, with a flip-top lid, and a serrated edge at the base used to strike the match. Some pieces were built more extravagantly and held cigar cutters or a place for sovereigns.
Victorians made the vessels for these short matches into a fashion statement. These small containers were designed for status and became a normal part of the dress code. Men were the ones who typically carried them around, at the end of a Double Albert chain, or in the pocket of a waistcoat. Cases with semi-clad women weren’t uncommon, but they were hidden inside pockets until offered to another gentleman who needed a light. The designs on vestas varied wildly as advertising on them was quite popular. Logos, crests, sport scenes, and precious jewels donned these cases.
This antique Art Nouveau silver vesta was handcrafted around 1890. It bears a repousse floral motif on both sides. This rectangular vessel opens toward the top and closes tightly. It measures 47.5 x 34 x 10 mm and weighs 16.4 grams. It has been acid tested and bears no marks.
Most people of the Victorian and Edwardian eras carried a vesta made of tin, gunmetal, or brass. The upper class walked around with cases of silver and gold, much like this one. Matches weren’t just used to like a cigarette, they were useful for stoves, lanterns, pipes, fireplaces. They came in different sizes and the smaller matches were carried around while the larger ones were kept at home in a larger vesta case known as ‘tabletop matchsafes’.
We offer a 3 or 4 payment layaway on most items purchased for full retail price, please inquire if you are interested in setting up a layaway. Items ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.
Please note that our photographs are part of our description, please look carefully, we do not digitally alter our items. We always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase, and If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let us know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations!
$ 220.00
Used by the Druids as a symbol of everlasting life, Mistletoe was thought to aid in fertility. Being green year round, and bearing fruit at the time of the WInter Solstice led to the tradition of hanging Mistletoe in the home at Christmastime and replacing it the next year. Art Nouveau adopted the sensual and vigorous plant as one of it's repeated themes.
This exceedingly lovely French Art Nouveau belt buckle is French and bears French marks. It tests as 925 silver and was probably made around 1900 at the height of Art Nouveau. Made to be worn on a fabric belt it would be gorgeous on wide gross grain or satin ribbon to help you carve a waist out of that sweater dress or long shirt. Weighs 54.4 grams. A stunning and large buckle just waiting for a lovely waist to decorate!
I offer layaway on most items purchased for full retail price. In general my layaway terms are 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days and the last 1/3 in 60 days. I am flexible so if you are interested please ask me and we can work out a payment plan that suits you. Items ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.
I always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase on my lane. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let me know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations!
$ 550.00
$ 650.00
It’s the color of autumn, the season of jack-o-lanterns and leaves the color of daffodils, fire, and port wine. The smell of grandma’s apple pie fills the air and mixes with the scents of nutmeg and cinnamon. The world feels happier, the coffee tastes sweeter. T-shirts are covered with sweatshirts and iced tea becomes hot cider. It’s the color of tradition, of shorter days and longer nights, of fireside stories and fleece flannel blankets.
This antique Edwardian enameled belt buckle was handcrafted in Birmingham, England, in 1910. It was made in sterling silver and has been acid tested. The enamel is golden orange in color and is in excellent condition. This piece measures 66.4 x 82 x 6.5 mm and weighs 40.2 grams. This buckle is fully hallmarked and contains the crown and lion passant, for Birmingham, England, and the letter year code, ‘l’, for 1910. It also bears a maker’s mark that reads, ‘L.E’.
For a handsome accessory made for a gentleman, this enameled belt buckle would make an excellent birthday or holiday gift!
We offer a 3 or 4 payment layaway on most items purchased for full retail price, please inquire if you are interested in setting up a layaway. Items ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.
Please note that our photographs are part of our description, please look carefully, we do not digitally alter our items. We always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase, and If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let us know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations!
$ 350.00
There could be many, many uses for this lovely dressing table glass jar. I have a series of them in my bathroom, I use the one like this for q-tips. It might seem a little luxurious to have something so beautiful in the bathroom, but I use it almost everyday, and everyday it gives me a little joy. I don't believe in keeping things this pretty locked away, they need to be used, and this jar could have many, many uses!
Arts and Crafts glass and sterling silver jar, marks show it to be made in London in 1905. It measures 4 1/4 inches high and 2 3/4 inches wide and is 1 3/4 inches deep. The thick heavy crystal is hand-cut and perfectly smooth, it is 12 sided. The large domed lid is hand-hammered and has an as-yet-not monogrammed round cartouche in the center.
This jar would make a lovely and thoughtful gift!
I offer layaway on all items purchased for full retail price. In general my layaway terms are 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days and the last 1/3 in 60 days. I am flexible so if you are interested please ask me and we can work out a payment plan that suits you. Items ship when payment is complete and items purchased on layaway are eligible for exchange only.
I always want you to be happy with anything you purchase from my shop. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason simply let me know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations!
SKU: JRA02642V