Vintage Brass Pocket Case with a lid, probably a Vesta case for Matches, circa 1900

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Location: United Kingdom
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Auction Start: 02/11/24 10:16:00 UTC
Auction Ending: 16/11/24 20:46:00 UTC
Time Remaining: 9d 17h 18m
LOT NUMBER 24
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LOT NUMBER 24

Vintage Brass Pocket Case with a lid, probably a Vesta case for Matches, circa 1900

A small brass case with a hinged lid of irregular rectangular form decorated in high relief repoussé tecnique with a devil’s head encircled by a snake whose scaly tail continues onto the lid. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Other examples of these cases are known with a similar shape and technique and even the devil and snake motif. It is more than likely that this case was designed for matches, the so called 'Vesta Case' of which there is another example in this auction. Like that piece it is fitted with a ring, presumably to allow it to be attached to a watch chain. But other uses could have been intended, possibly for business or visiting cards (the Victorian calling card was much smaller) or perhaps for pills. The style of decoration very much recalls 'Arts and Crafts' pieces made around 1900 and a similar dating seems likely here.
Size: na
Weight: na
Date: 1900
Condition: Good condition, no issues
Estimate: £40 – 60

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