(London, England)
Vesta Case, c. 1880
sterling silver
1 ⅜+” length x ½” width x 1 ⅞+” height; 23 grams
Markings: impressed marks on the inside lip, Illegible Makers Mark, Sterling Silver Lion Passant, London Leopard’s Head, ‘E’ for 1880, Victoria Head Duty Mark; stamped on the reverse inside lip, “FISHER LINCOLN”
Notes: London made British solid sterling silver vesta case possibly made by John Dixon Fisher of Lincoln or retailed at Fisher’s High St. establishment. Registered in the Watch and Clock trade during the 1880s Fisher was active in the trade and outspoken towards quality in British made gentleman’s items: “An Englishmen,” he wrote to the Horological Journal in 1882, “is not the gentlest of wearers; he volunteers, hunts, shoots, &c., and so requires an [object] that will stand knocking about… It is of the utmost importance that the retailer should be able to guarantee those two great characteristics of English watches, strength and durability; when submitting goods for a customer’s inspection, the manufacturers should consequently never lose sight of so essential a point.”
This essential point has not been lost in the manufacture of this match safe. Made of heavy gauge sterling silver with canted corners and sides it is deeply engraved with a repeating leaf pattern between form-delineating cross-banding. The catch is strong with a push button release and the integral hinge remains secure. A strike is engraved onto the base to provide a uniform textured surface for lighting a match.
Condition: It is in Good Vintage Condition. The maker’s mark is rubbed and illegible, else the hallmarks and touch marks are legible and crisp. The make is of such quality that even without the internal safety bar the hinge is tight and movement secure. The body shows extremely light signs of wear (some bumps to the strike edge) all successfully camouflaged by the pattern (as is its function) translating into a warm rich patina. All around a respectable safe.
