Sterling Silver Vesta with Martele Finish Birmingham 1891

Description

Heading : Silver vesta case with martele finish
Date : Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1891 for Joseph Gloster
Period : Victoria
Origin : Birmingham, England
Decoration : All over martele finish, monogrammed. Interior with two compartments. Striker to base.
Size :  6.3cm x 4cm
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight :  36 grams

We are not certain as to the purpose of two compatments. We have found other examples of doublee compartment vestas intended for ‘fuseess’ – a type of match patented in 1832 and initially intended for military applicaitons (lighting of fuses). The fusees were found to be useful for either lighting in the wind and rain or for lighting pipes.