This is a rare Victorian 'secret photo' matchsafe or vesta, by one of England's most illustrious silversmiths, WILLIAM COMYNS, fully hallmarked for London 1898.

This case features a heavily embossed 'rococo' style design to both front & rear panels, with 'hand chased' engraving to all edges (excluding the striker),to compliment the case.

On first glance, this vesta seems like a very ornate & expensive, but ordinary, match safe, but closer inspection reveals a hinge along the bottom edge of the case (next to the striker). The purpose of this hinge is to allow the side to be opened once the lid has been raised.

When the hinged side is opened, it reveals a photograph frame.

This type of vesta was first advertised in 1894 as the 'Secret Photo Match Box' (see the Schiffer book on Match Safes :Page 36, Fig 111), but in Britain, were usually referred to as 'mistress' vesta's (so the 'Gentleman' could always be reminded of his mistress !!).

This particular case, by Comyns, was the 'Rolls Royce' of this type, & are extremely scarce, particularly in this condition.

CONDITION : Excellent, embossing & chasing in excellent condition, interior gilding is like new (all original - there has never been a photograph inserted), both hinges are excellent (NB: due to the design, there was never a 'snap' shut), striker is very slightly worn & discoloured to one side, cartouche is engraved with an intertwined C&D.

HALLMARKS: One lip has: Makers mark (W.C for William Comyns), Lion Passant (English Sterling 925 Silver), Leopard's head (assay mark for London), & date letter C (London 1898-99). The opposite lip repeats the maker mark, lion passant, & assay mark. All marks are clear.

DIMENSIONS: Height : 4.7cm, Width : 3.7cm, Depth : 1.2cm, all approx.

WEIGHT: 41.9 g, 1.48oz, or 1.35 Troy.