A George Unite Silver Vesta "Suit Case"

This collectable little Vesta Case was made in Birmingham 1878 by the most famous of Birmingham's "novelty" makers, George Unite. A Vesta Case is a box for matches, which incorporates a striker underneath. They were very common in the 19th century, before the invention of the Safety Match, although silver examples were naturally rather exclusive!

The "Suitcase" Vesta is a known design first made by Unite, and copied by other makers later. Of the Novelty silver vesta cases it is one of the rarer and more desirable designs, along with the Violin Case and Padlock, to name but a few!

The condition of this beautiful piece of Victorian Silver is very good. There is wear throughout commensurate with age and use, and the corners are very slightly dented as you can see in the pictures. In general though, this piece is in very good condition with no damage or repair. 

Type: vesta case
Function: smoking related
Maker: George Unite
Country: England

Price: £ 375 GBP

Need more info? Contact James Baldwin Antiques regarding this item.


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