Antique Victorian Silver Heart Match Safe Vesta Pendant, 1897

There’s a certain romance to the utilitarian beauty of this piece. Imagine it clipped to a chatelaine, tucked in a waistcoat pocket, or worn as a pendant—a silver heart worn not just for sentiment, but for purpose. Engraved with swirling foliate motifs, this Victorian vesta case, also called a match safe, was a small yet vital accessory in its day. Striking the perfect balance between form and function, it tells the story of an era when even everyday objects were crafted with elegance. Fully hallmarked for Birmingham, England, 1897, and marked with the maker's mark “CES,” this piece is as practical as it is beautiful. The hinged top opens to reveal a compartment designed to hold matches, while the textured striker on the side allowed them to be lit with ease. Measuring 51 mm north to south, 36.3 mm across, and 14 mm thick, the vesta case features a sturdy bale, suggesting it could have been worn on a chain or a chatelaine. Today, it’s a unique and versatile piece that can be reimagined