This is a scarce, Victorian brass figural 'book shaped' match safe or vesta, made in Britain by Buncher & Haseler of Birmingham, and marked with 2 London Patent Office 'diamond' registration marks dating this holder to 17th November 1876.

Buncher & Haseler were the first Company to register this particular design & a similar holder can be found on page 71, Fig 256, in the Alsford /Schiffer book 'Match Holders'.

The front & rear of the holder have been cast with a symmetrical design around an acanthus centrepiece, whilst the curved spine has an Art Nouveau design.

The case can be opened at either end via the top & bottom edges, which hinge out from the 'spine'. The striker is on the leading edge, opposite the spine.

Both the top & bottom panels are marked with the Victorian 'diamond' registration mark (the 2nd of the London Patent Office 'diamond' registration marks, used from 1868-83).

At the top of the mark is a circle with the class of material used (1 for Metal), underneath this is the date of the month (17th), then clockwise is the year (V for 1876), the month (K for November)), the parcel No. (2), & in the centre is 'R' (Registered Design) : this dates the holder from 17th November 1876 to 17th November 1879 at the latest (registrations only lasted 3 years).

Condition is Good with strong hinges. On the front of the case there appears to be a scratch (on closer inspection, this has happened during casting & is not a fault or defect), & the other side of the case has a small 'scorch' mark. The striker is slightly worn : overall, fine condition for a 135 year old matchsafe

Dimensions are approx 1 3/4" high & 1 3/8" wide (approx 4.5cm x 3.4cm).

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