This is a figural Victorian cast Brass match holder or vesta 'go to bed', in the form of a 'dancing bear', & made in Europe around 1890.

The holder depicts a 'dancing bear' chained to a post (although this is an unpleasant subject matter, it was a common sight in Europe during the Victorian period).

The bear's head is hinged at the neck, and opens to reveal a compartment for storing the vestas or matches, the bears 'fur' is used as a striking surface, and there is a hole on the top of the post that the bear is chained to, which was designed to hold the lighted match, for use as a 'go to bed'.

The detail in the casting is superb, the bears head shows the muzzle and it still retains the original Glass eyes and chain.

An identical holder is shown and described on page 121 in the Schiffer 'Book on Match Holders' & states that the holder closely resembles the bear & ragged staff emblem of the Earls of Warwick.

The holder measures approx 3 1/8" to the top of the post, with the actual bear standing approx 2 7/8" (8cm & 7 cm).

Condition is fantastic for it's 118 years, the gilt finish is rubbed (as you would expect), but other than that, a totally original and scarce match holder.