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Vesta Cases were originally made to prevent injury from highly combustible wax matches, which were invented about 1830. Wax matches, invented around 1830, were ignited from the heat of friction so were unreliable and ran the risk of injury to the carrier. A vesta case was the ideal solution to prevent matches from accidentally lighting in the wearers pocket as well as protection from getting damp. Even after wax matches became illegal, vesta cases became popular with infantry and campers. Vestas became decorative items in their own right, and the Art Nouveau period produced some elaborate designs in silver, gold and silver plate. Advertising Vestas were also popular. The word vesta comes from the Roman Goddess who symbolised fire and light. She was also the goddess of the home and the hearth. The sacred flame in Vesta's temple was tended by the Vestral Virgins as the flame was never to go out. Novelty vesta cases in the form of animals are also very collectible. These can be found in Silver, Brass and Copper. Occasionally, extremely rare ones may be found in Gold.
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A silver Art Nouveau Vesta Case with ornate cartouche. |
A silver plated Art Nouveau Vesta Case with Heart shaped cartouche |