This unusual fleur-de-lis sterling silver Vesta case by prestigious English silversmiths William Hair Haseler was made in 1912 and probably for Liberty & Co., London. W.H.H had gone into partnership with Liberty's in 1898 producing most of their silverware and the fleur-de-lis motif was used prolifically in Liberty's designs as well as their shop signage.
In case you're not familiar, Vesta cases are small portable boxes designed to keep matches dry and to stop them accidently igniting. This wonderful example is decorated in hand-engraved fleur-de-lis motifs giving it a real Arts & Crafts character. It is in a rounded rectangular form with a sprung hinged lid at the top and a striker in the base. It also has a suspension ring on the side and can be purchased with or without the sterling silver guard chain style necklace as shown in the photos. The chain continuous (it goes over the head) and it has oval D-shaped links along with a small swivel clip at the end.
Evoking an age of bygone elegance this Edwardian era vesta case is a fine collectors piece and will make a unique and versatile pendant necklace that you can wear and adore. It is perfect to hold treasured keepsakes, nostalgic mementoes or a even a love letter!
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: Sterling silver throughout
HALLMARKS: Vesta stamped inside base ''W.H.H' for William Hair Haseler, 'anchor' for Birmingham, 'lion passant' for sterling, date letter 'n' for 1912. Stamped outside lid 'lion passant' and 'n' date letter. Chain not marked, acid tested and verified sterling silver.
MEASUREMENTS: Vesta 1-3/4" (4.5cm) tall, 1-1/4" (3.4cm) wide, 9.65mm deep, jump ring 7.8mm diameter. Necklace chain 29-1/2" ( 75m) long, 3.5mm wide,
WEIGHT: vesta 18.3 grams, chain 11.7 grams (total 30 grams)
DATE: Edwardian, dated 1912
CONDITION: in very good antique condition with expected light surface wear and minor signs of use, there's a tiny tear near the striker which isn't really visible and doesn't affect function. The lid is close fitting and shuts tightly. The chain is also in very good condition with the dog-clip functioning properly.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift. We offer free worldwide shipping and a no quibble money back guarantee.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING – orders are dispatched next business day and sent tracked and insured
RETURNS - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no added tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
BUYING A GIFT? – all items will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for staging and are not included in purchase.
FOLLOW US for our latest antique and vintage fine jewellery:
Instagram: @mercymadge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercymadge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MercyMadge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercyMadge
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Mercymadge
Read our blog at https://mercymadge.com/blogs/blog
Materials: Sterling Silver.