This is a rare Victorian Sterling Silver 'secret photo' match safe or vesta, by the renowned English silversmiths LEVI & SALAMAN, and is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1895.

The vesta is a large example of this type, and has a top mounted loop & suspension ring to enable it to be hung from an Albert chain.

This case has been exquisitely hand chased to both front & rear panels with a scrolling foliate design, and has a central cartouche chased with the intertwined initials of SRT ?.

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 Levi & Salaman, is one of the earliest examples of this type, & is extremely scarce, particularly in sterling silver & this condition.

CONDITION : Excellent, the exterior & chasing is in excellent condition, with the exception of 2 small bruises to the edge of the lid (which in no way detract). The interior is all original - there has never been a photograph inserted, & both hinges are excellent (there is some sideways movement of the lid when fully open, this is due to the design of this type of vesta & is not a fault).

HALLMARKS: One lip has: Makers mark (L&S for Levi & Salaman), Lion Passant (English Sterling 925 Silver), the Anchor (assay mark for Birmingham), & date letter v (Birmingham 1895-96). The opposite lip repeats the lion passant & the date letter. The suspension ring also carries the lion passant. All marks are clear.

DIMENSIONS: Height : 5.2cm, Width : 4.1cm, Depth : 1.2cm, all approx.

WEIGHT: 56.3 g, 1.99 oz, or 1.81 Troy.

All in all, an extremely scarce vesta, from a celebrated silversmith & in excellent condition for it's 113 years.