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Vesta Case in Vulcanite - Edward VII - Match Box
Here is a fantastic, historical antique vesta case or match holder. Made from the composition Vulcanite which is basically a mix of hard rubber and sulphur this is also a royal commemorative item for King Edward the Seventh of Great Britain. King Edward VII was the son of Queen Victoria and had a short reign from 22 January 1901 until his death on 6th May 1910. . Vulcanite was a Victorian invention and was often used as a substitute for Whitby Jet. The material, a form of early plastic, is robust and it is suitable for embossing. When brand new this case would have looked black and shiny and would have been much more like jet. Over the passage of more than 100 years the sulphur has altered the colour to a khaki brown. The box is in very good condition with no chips or cracks. It resembles a small book in shape. The spine of the book shaped box is engraved with a pattern of lines and swirls which are repeated around the portrait of the king to the front . Where the pages of the book would be we have a strike panel for lighting your match. The top and bottom edges are on spring hinges to allow matches to be placed in and taken out. The front has a fantastic image of King Edward VII, whilst the rear has his E VII to the centre with a belt around it and the Latin words " HONI SOiT QUE MAL Y PENSE" which translates "Shame on him that thinks evil". This is the motto of the British chivalric Order of the Garter. Around this are the Thistle for Scotland, the Shamrock for Ireland and roses for England. In really good condition this covetable Edwardian Vesta Case measures 2 inches by 1.5 inches by half and inch.
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