"Vesta case" containing 3 cm long waterproof matchesSmall tin, hinged lid, nickle plated, printed lid, containing blue-headed waterproof matches, known as "Vestas"Bell's Waterproof Wax Vestas printed in green and redmatches, match containers, vesta cases, vesta matches

Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a Vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is a portable pocket vesta. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece is an anchor, so it is from Birmingham, England. The lion passant certifies the silver quality, as at least 925. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is D&LS for David and Lionel Spiers. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this item was verified in 1885. Lionel Spiers was a significant figure in the Jewellery Quarter and in 1906 was chairman of the Jewellers and Silversmiths Association. The item also has NHILL 1928 engraved on the front, this is likely a recent addition to the piece. Nhill is a town in Victoria so it could be that the previous owner lived here or it was gifted in commemoration. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.Silver vesta case with ribbed strike plate at the end and an etched design. D&LS/ lion symbol/ anchor symbol/ l/ Sovereign head/ [hallmarks] CHH/ NHILL 1928/ [obverse inscription] A01198/burke museum, silver, vesta, fire, silversmiths

Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is the portable pocket vesta which also has a bale (ring) near the hinge so that they can be suspended from a chain. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece, three wheat sheaves and a sword identify Chester, in Cheshire, England as the town of creation. The lion passant guardant certifies the silver quality, as between 925 and 1000. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is W.N. for William Neale. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this case being verified in 1903. William Neale and Sons was a firm was established by William Neale in 1850 in Birmingham. His mark was entered at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and in the Chester assay office in September 1882. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver vesta case with a ribbed strike plate at the end, a ring to attach the case to a chain and a cover that can be pushed up to open. W.N/ lion symbol/ Three Sheaves of Wheat and Sword/ C/ [hallmarks] A01169/silver, silversmith, burke museum, england, fire, vesta, william neale

A Vesta case is a small, portable box / safe to carry matches that came into use around the 1830s and was produced extensively between 1890 and 1920. During this period, almost everyone carried strike-anywhere matches, so they could light stoves, lanterns and other devices. Early matches were unreliable and prone to ignite from rubbing on one another or spontaneously. Accordingly, most people carried a match safe / box to house their matches. Wealthy people had match safes made of gold or silver, while common folk had ones made of tin or brass.C 1900 A small silver vesta case, with a roughened strike plate, to hold matches for lighting fires, lamps, cigarettes or pipes. The tin case has been embossed with a bird and floral design on the front and back Embossed with bird and floral design on the front and back .jewellery, personal effects, craftwork, vesta case, lights, candles, safety matches, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers

A Vesta case is a small, portable box / safe to carry matches and came into use around the 1830s and were produced extensively between 1890 and 1920. During this period, almost everyone carried strike anywhere matches, so they could light stoves, lanterns and other devices. Early matches were unreliable and prone to ignite from rubbing on one another or spontaneously. Accordingly, most people carried a match safe / box to house their matches. Wealthy people had match safes made of gold or silver, while common folk had ones made of tin or brass.c1860 A small tin Japanesque vesta case, with a roughened strike plate, to hold matches for lighting fires, lamps, cigarettes or pipes. The tin case has been embossed with a Japanese type bird design on the front and back and then coated with copper and brass to decorate and highlight different parts of the design.Embossed with a Japanese type bird design on the front and back . jewellery, personal effects, craftwork, vesta case, lights, candles, safety matches, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers

The exact creation date of this chatelaine is unknown, however the hallmarks and engravings on some of the attached objects indicate that this chatelaine was made in the late 1890s. The shark tooth and the liberty bell attached to the chatelaine suggest that the item once belonged to an Australian who had connections to America. The compact, scent bottle lid, and feminine design of the other objects suggest that this wasowned by a woman. The name on the plate indicates that this object may have belonged to someone with the surname Heine. The hallmarks on the scent bottle lid and the compact indicate that they were made in Birmingham, England in the late 1890s, and that the compact was made by H. Matthews. Chatelaines where used by both men and women, usually fastened to a belt or pocket, and small household objects were attached to the main body of the chatelaine by chains. They were only worn by the heads of the household as a display of position and power.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver belt hook with small household object attached by chains to a suspended name plate. There are 8 chains and 7 objects; a vesta case, scent bottle lid, compact, shark tooth, bell, button hook handle, container.HEINE/ [plate] CHERRY./ from/ LEO/ May 12th 1899/ [inscription on vesta case] L??S/ Anchor symbol/ x symbol/ lion symbol/ [Hallmark on scent bottle lid] R/ HM/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ m symbol/ [Hallmark on back of the compact] SYDNEY/ [inscription on shark tooth] Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof/ By order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada/ [inscription on bell] A01176/ burke museum, silverware, social history, heine

Vesta cases were used to hold and strike matches. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and he visited Belfast during his time in Europe, and he kept as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).Mementos brought back with a soldier after serving in Europe in World War One.Two silver vesta (match) cases, one is monogramed and the other has an enamel plaque of the coat of arms of Belfast on it. Both have a few blue tipped matches in them.01125.1 has monogram 'JBMCL' engraved on it 01125.2 has a coat of arms and 'Belfast' on an enamel discworld war one, souvenir

Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match. It is unknown when this vesta case was created but the lettering on the front of the case suggest that it was create in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Boulogne-sur-Mer is a costal city in Northern France and is known for its maritime and trade history.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small white rectangular box. There are 6 nails both on the top and bottom keeping it closed. There is a small inscription on top in cursive lettering. One end is covered in a material used for crating sparks.Boulogne smer/ A01148/matchbox

The hallmarks on this vesta indicate that the vesta was made in Birmingham, England in 1901 by Minshull & Latimer. Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small silver container with a hinged lid that has a ring attached to the top of it. There is an engraved pattern across the surface with a set of initials on the obverse of the case. The bottom of the case features a ribbed design.TD/ [initials engraved on obverse] M/ &/ L/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A1194/vesta case, birmingham, 20th century, minshull & latimer, matchbox

Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This is a simple example of a Vesta Case.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has a raised crosshatch pattern in a circular pattern on the obverse side. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.A01199/burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history

These pocket-sized cases for carrying matches took their name from 'Vesta', the deity that presided over the domestic focus (hearth) in Ancient Rome. Vesta cases were in great use between the 1860's and 1940', but the invention of the pocket petrol lighter initiated a decline in the use of these items.Silver match box with crown hinged lid. Front is engraved.match-safe silver smoking-accessories vesta-case

This detailed example of a match holding Vesta was owned by someone with the initials GBW but is otherwise difficult to identify ownership. Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This example of a Vesta case is particularly ornate.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has detailed engraving across the obverse and reverse sides with delicate scrollwork and a monogram set in a circular setting in the centre. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.GBW/ A01171/burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history, luxury

Silver vesta case with trumpeted flower etched on one side and rose like flower on the other. Match striker on the bottom. Stylized CJS on refers to Charles James Stevens born Gibraltar 1/1/1892, died 2/3/1973, buried Geelong Eastern Cemetery. He married Edna Olive in 1966. Edna and her sister, Elsie Samuel, lived in Pickworth Avenue, Anglesea and were active in the Historical Society.Etched with trumpeted and rose-like flowers and the letters "CJS". Hallmarks: cc, P, anchor, Lion (P=1889-1890). Arrow (anchor) - Birmingham.matches, silver, charles james stevens

A postcard from Belfast. Part of the collection relating to John Basil McLean, who normally signs himself Basil. He returned to Australia in April 1920. The date on this card implies someone sent this a few months later from Belfast. One of the items relating to JB McLean was a vesta (match) case from Belfast (see item 01125). This postcard was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and kept them as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).Postcards were a very common form of communication. They were also a common souvenir. This type of correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1.Standard size postcard showing coloured image of City Hall, Belfast. Front - “City Hall, Belfast / 46398 JV” Back - “Belfast / 18.8.20 / Dear Jack, / I am just here for a / few days on holiday. It’s / charming on the outskirts, and / the scenery is great, though ‘spose / it does not come up to the Blue / Mtns. Many thanks for the book / of views. Am sure you must / have enjoyed your stay amongst / the mountains, and weren’t you / lucky in obtaining 2 months / leave. We’ve just been over this / town hall. The whole of / the interior is practically / built of white and green / marble, with some wonderful old wood carving dotted here / and there. Suppose you have / now settled down, and of course / its getting for summer with / you now. Hope you are / very well. Yours sincerely / Dorothy”souvenir, postcard

Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling around Europe either during World War 1 or just after, before returning to Australia. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs. He also had a vesta (match) case from Belfast, so it is likely he visited there. These scenes include the Guiness Brewery in Dublin and the Belfast Town Hall, and a set of scenes from Killarney. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. Postcards as souvenirs or as correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1.Postcards x 15 with images from Ireland and Northern Ireland. Most from 'Valentine's Series' printed in Scotland.01136.1 City Hall, Belfast 01136.2 Marble Stairway, City Hall, Belfast 01136.3 Killarney 01136.4 'Tis said that passing angles paused a while / To rest within and bless the Emerald Isle 01136.5 Guiness's Brewery, Lower Level, Dublin 01136.6 Scald Bank (Unloading empty casks) Guiness's Brewery, Dublin 01136.7 Fermenting House (Exterior) Guiness's Brewery, Dublin 01136.8 The Islands, Upper Lake, Killarney 01136.9 On Middle Lake, Killarney 01136.10 Serpent Lake, Gap of Dunloe, Killarney 01136.11 Shooting the rapids, Killarney 01136.12 Ross Castle, Killarney 01136.13 Eagle's Nest, Killarney 01136.14 Colleen Bawn Rock, Killarney 01136.15 Grafton Street, Dublin Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. Different makers.souvenir, world war one

Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. These postcard scenes include the Sphinx, the Pyramids, Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez including mosques and marketplaces. The Suez Canal was used by troop ships, so this was often the first time soldiers from Australia saw Egyptians. Many troops in World War 1 were stationed first in Egypt (including near Cairo) to train before heading to Gallipoli, Turkey or on to the Western Front. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs (none of these have been written on or posted). He also had a vesta (match) case from Belfast, so it is likely he visited there. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. Postcards as souvenirs or as correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1. These places in Egypt could have been visited by the first Legatees when they were soldiers in World War 1.Postcards x 16 with images from Cairo, Alexandria and Suez in Egypt and a purple card holder that once contained 12 views of Suez (only 3 here).01137.1 Cairo - Sphinx and Pyramids 01137.2 Cairo - Arab Village near the Pyramids 01137.3 Cairo - The Citadel 01137.4 Cairo - General View of the Citadel 01137.5 Cairo - Sebil of Abbassia 01137.6 Cairo - Barrage Bridge 01137.7 Cairo - Native Woman 01137.8 Suez - Market Street 01137.9 Alexandria - San Stefano Casino 01137.10 Alexandria - Native Bazaar new Napoleon's Fort 01137.11 Alexandria - Mohamed Aly Place 01137.12 Alexandria - The Light House 01137.13 Alexandria - Column of Menasce 01137.14 Alexandria - Ramleh Boulevard 01137.15 Suez - The Port -Twefik Quay 01137.16 Suez - Railway Station Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. Different makers.souvenir, world war one

Moisture-proof wax vestas issued to A.I.F. troops during south-west Pacific campaign. Cigarettes were a normal part of life during both World Wars and there was no attempt made to limit or stop soldiers from smoking. In many cases it was actually encouraged.In WW1 there were almost no cigarette lighters available. Even in WW2 they were unusual. Matches were the normal way of creating fire. The wooden "safety" match that we know today was not in common use. Matches were made from wax and came in tins such as this item.Small rectangular iron alloy container with hinged cover. Base has a slightly recessed central section which has been perforated to enable the striking of matches. The cover has been painted with 'Bells Waterproof Wax Vestas' on a green or black ground. tin bell's-vestas smoking matches

Small silver plate match holder box. button at side to open lid.match-safe silver smoking-accessories vesta-case

Metal container of wax matches. Made by Bryant & Mays Melbourne and called "Wax Vestas". There is a strike pad on the bottom of the container.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, wax matches, bryant & mays, wax vestas, match case, match container, match box, match sae

Wax matches also known as 'strike anywhere' were invented in 1826 by William Newton in England. It consisted of a wax stem with embedded cotton threads and a tip of phosphorus. Cases of various styles were introduced to protect against accidental combustion. This simple but robust metal cylindrical box with close fitting cap made it attractive to soldiers in World War One. Bryant & May was a British company created in the mid-19th century specifically to make matches. In 1901 they acquired the rights to the Swan Vesta process.Match cylinder with press on lid.On cap " Bryant & Mays Wax Vesta London"match, bryant & may