This is a Victorian era German 835 Silver 'sliding drawer' vesta or matchsafe, made in Pforzheim by the German silversmiths Lutz & Weiss, & dating to between 1882 & 1888.

The vesta is rectangular, with a navette shaped profile, & is opened by pulling the striker end, which slides open the drawer to reveal the match compartment.

One end of the case has an early 'chemical compound' striker (suitable for friction / safety matches), whilst the other end is engraved with the initials 'KWR'.

The exterior of the case is made from 835 Silver & is decorated with an engine turned 'parallel line' design, whilst the inner sleeve or drawer is made from plated Alpacca (a trademark brand of Nickel silver by the German Company, Berndorf).

The case is hallmarked to one edge with '835S' (835 standard Silver) & the Makers mark of Lutz & Weiss, & the inner sleeve is marked 'ALPACCA'.

Lutz & Weiss were formed in 1882 & the Reichsmark (crescent & moon) became compulsory in 1888, so the lack of the latter mark would date the case somewhere between 1882 & 1888.

Condition is fair. The Silver body has around 3 or 4 bruises & general, light surface wear expected on a 135 year old case. The compound striker is worn & the chemicals used in early matches have corroded the plating around the striker, & the interior has some surface scorch marks. The sliding drawer movement is smooth.

The case measures approx 2 1/4" x 1 3/4" (approx 5.8cm x 4.3cm).