This is a Victorian figural 'Go to Bed' vesta or matchsafe, in the form of a post box / pillar-box, & manufactured in tin, by Bryant & May circa 1890.

This is a two part match safe, with the 'pillar-box' sliding over the base.

The lid has a red 'enamel' finish & reads POST OFFICE (with the coat of arms in between). Underneath this is a notice plate with the inland postal rates for letters, then the Royal cipher 'VR' for Queen Victoria. At the base is B&Ms PAT.

The box has a brass 'Go to Bed' finial, in which, a lit match would be placed to enable you to use it as a torch.

The bottom part of the holder has a gilt finish, with a perforated striker to the base.

The side of the base reads 'BRYANT & MAY'S ROYAL WAX VESTAS, LONDON', underneath this is 'POSTAL REGULATIONS' with a table of Postal Rates for Inland Letters, & sections for Book Post, Newspapers, & Registration.

Condition is extremely good for its 118 odd years. There are rust spots to the exterior & around the rim. The base is in fantastic condition, with very little loss to the gilt finish - Please see magnified photos.

All in all, a fine, solid example of this scarce vesta (most suffer from heavy rusting & 'paint' loss, particularly to the 'gilt' finish of the base).

The case is approx 7cm tall (inc finial), & approx 4.5cm in diameter.