This is a Victorian era, figural advertising matchsafe, match holder, or Vesta, made in Vienna around 1890.

The holder is in the form of the 'ALBERT' biscuit : a biscuit or cookie, manufactured by 'Huntley & Palmers' during the mid 19th Century.

The firm was started in 1822 by Thomas Huntley, and, after being joined by his cousin, George Palmer, the company became 'HUNTLEY & PALMERS' in 1841.

The biscuit, on which this holder is modeled, was named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria (who later became Prince Consort in 1857).

The holder has 'MADE IN VIENNA' (at that period in time, Vienna, was the Capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), and the wording 'GESCHUTZT', (which roughly translates as 'trade marked', or 'protected', - the equivalent of our 'Patent')

The same holder can bee seen on page 167, Fig R1:3, in the Schiffer book 'Pocket Matchsafes'

Condition is great for age : the hinge is fine & there is some, age related, indentations to the lid & body edges.

All in all, an excellent example of this rare case.

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