This is a stunning Victorian combination Vesta or matchsafe, dating to around 1876, & containing a Sovereign holder, a stamp holder, a propelling pencil, & a toothpick or cigar piercer.

The case is silver plated & is engraved all over with a scrolling foliate design. There is a vacant, circular cartouche to one side.

The holder has an attached loop & suspension ring, to enable the case to be hung from an Albert chain.

One end of the case hinges open to reveal a sprung Sovereign or coin holder, with a stamp holder fitted into the interior of the lid.

At the opposite end of the case, the lid hinges open to reveal the match compartment which is fitted to one side with 2 small tubes, one containing a propelling pencil, & the other containing a toothpick (or it could be a cigar piercer ?).The striker is on the top of the lid.

The inside of the sovereign / stamp holder lid is impressed with 'PATENT No 4709', which relates to the design being registered in 1876.

The last photograph shows an original advert (not included) for the vesta, which called it the 'Albert Combination Match Box', & came from a copy of the 'Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News' dated 1880.

Condition is excellent for age. There is absolutely no plate loss, dings or dents to the case, all hinges are fine, as is the sprung coin holder. The propelling pencil needs lead, but is in full working order.

The case measures approx 6.5cm x 4cm.

All in all, a very scarce original combination vesta, in excellent & complete condition.