This beautiful and collectible antique English silver Victorian Vesta case is stamped in good clear Chester hallmarks for the year 1899. Chester Assay Office closed in 1964 resulting in these historical hallmarks becoming particularly desirable.
Vesta cases are small portable boxes designed to keep matches dry and to stop them accidently igniting. This charming example is in a rounded rectangular form and hand-engraved in an intricate scrolling floral pattern. It is beautifully monogrammed in the initials "CB" on the face and it has a sprung hinged lid at the top and a striker in the base.
Once worn by a Victorian lady or gent on a chatelaine or watch chain she is now a unique and versatile necklace pendant that you can wear daily and adore. Perfect to hold treasured keepsakes, nostalgic mementoes or a even a love letter! With her large heavy duty suspension ring, this Victorian Vesta will look incredible paired with a substantial silver chain to match her stature and character!
MATERIALS: Sterling silver
MEASUREMENTS: 1-3/4" (4.5cm) tall, 1-1/4" (3.2cm) wide, 8.3mm deep. Jump ring 8mm diameter, 1.6mm thick
HALLMARKS: stamped on inner rim 'lion passant' for sterling, 'wheatsheaves & sword' for Chester, date letter 'Q' for 1899 and makers mark 'J.H.W.' for John Henry Wynn. Also stamped with a lion passant on the ring.
DATE: Victorian, circa 1890
WEIGHT: 16.5 grams
CONDITION: in good condition with expected signs of antique age and use such as surface wear and tiny dings, please see the photos. There is a slight thumb depression in the monogrammed area. Please note the chain shown is not included with the purchase.
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 and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping on all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
Materials: Sterling silver.