This is a Victorian Nickel plated Brass vesta or match safe, with a built in compass and stanhope viewer (no image), probably of European origin, & dating to around 1890.

The front & rear panels of the case are decorated in a vertical 'knot' pattern with alternating quatrefoil & foliage designs, with the spaces between being filled with a ribbed & quatrefoil design.

The front of the vesta has a built in compass showing the cardinal & half cardinal points, with the North point of the needle being blued. The fixed glass cover has a bevelled edge & the compass is fully working (althiugh we cannot guarantee accuracy !).

The lid of the vesta has an internal tube (please see photo) with a glass at one end, which would have originally held a Stanhope view. The view & the glass it would have been fixed to are missing.

The vesta opens via a sprung button to one edge, & the ribbed striker is attached to the base.

Condition is good for its 120 odd years, the plating is worn in places, particularly the front of the case, & there is a little bit of sideways play to the lid, although the spring, hinge, & button are strong. There is an indent at the button although whether this is part of the design, we don't know. It does not affect the opening in any way.

The case measures approx 1 3/4" x 1" (4.5 cm x 2.7 cm).