Adie & Lovekin Ltd, Birmingham - Vesta case - Sterling

A Victorian sterling silver vesta case made in Birmingham in 1888 by Adie & Lovekin Ltd, one of the most prominent silversmithing firms of the period.

Vesta cases were personal match safes carried by gentlemen to keep friction matches dry and ready to use.

The body is decorated with a diagonal gadrooned pattern, with lobes that run diagonally across the entire surface of both the lid and the body.
The case has a hinged lid that opens and closes perfectly.
At the top, there is a suspension ring to attach the case to a watch chain or chatelaine.
The underside has its original roughened striking surface for lighting matches, showing some wear from previous use.

The hallmarks are stamped on the inner rim and include: A&L for Adie & Lovekin, the "O" date letter for 1888, the Birmingham anchor assay mark, the lion passant for sterling silver, and Queen Victoria's head duty mark confirming that silver tax was paid to the Crown.

The silver has a beautiful patina that brings out the detail of the design. No damage, no repairs, structurally sound, and looks great.

Height (without ring): 48.8 mm
Width: 38.8 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Weight: 21.65 g

Please take a good look at the photos, which are an integral part of the description.

This lot will be carefully packed so it will get to its new owner exactly as it should.