Silver Vesta box ?

[StevieJ]

Hi all,
Help required please for an id and likely age of this decorated silver item . Found on pasture last weekend. 3” down, gave a solid 67 on the AT pro.

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I thought it could be a Victorian/Edwardian Vesta box as it looks like it should have a fitted lid (I did check the hole for this but only the next day ). However, it seems too slim and most examples have the lid attached by a hinge. Also, I’m pretty sure it’s silver but cannot find any hallmarks. Stamp box perhaps?

Thanks in advance for any ideas

Steve

[fred]

Perhaps a slightly squashed vesta box? Size and age is about right. No striker on the bottom?

[StevieJ]

Thanks Fred,

No, there isn’t a striker, unless what I had thought were decorative crescent moons on the sides and base would be close enough together to work (no the photo at the top is of the base)

Cheers
Steve

[percy vere]

Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette

[ManOnTheMoon]

Perhaps a slightly squashed vesta box?

Ah, yes, I could imagine matches fitting into that box.

The reference to Italian scooters initially had me puzzled, though.

[StevieJ]

only just realised my typo.

[StevieJ]

All fixed now

[StevieJ]

Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette

Interesting idea. Thank you

I’ll see what I can find about these.

[sweepstick47]

Hello StevieJ, It looks as though there are two identical images of the same side of the 'Vesta case' ? If so, an additional view would be appreciated as it may hold more information
If indeed it is a Vesta case, the lid should show the sprung hinge (or remains of) at one end which when opened would reveal a full and well stamped set of Assay marks on the upper outer edge of the body which of course is hidden when the lid is in the closed position.
There may also be signs of the prior existence of a suspension hoop for attaching to an Albert Chain, these are generally located immediately below the lid hinge.

The absence of the suspension hoop and also a 'striker' is a bit mystifying as they're both such a general feature on Vesta cases so their absence serves to add uncertainty when considering an ID. However despite that, it certainly appears to be a nicely engraved silver Vesta Case of the early 1900's) Please let us know if you do manage to open the lid to reveal the marks.
Cheers Eric

[StevieJ]

If so, an additional view would be appreciated as it may hold more information
If indeed it is a Vesta case, the lid should show the sprung hinge (or remains of) at one end which when opened would reveal a full and well stamped set of Assay marks on the upper outer edge of the body which of course is hidden when the lid is in the closed position

Thanks Eric, and well spotted. I’ve attached the correct picture. In my defence, both the front and the back are almost exactly the same. Regarding the lid, it is missing and there is no sign of a hinge on the item. It looks like the lid, if there was one, would have slid on and off rather than via a hinge (which I guess would have made an Albert chain of less use - but perhaps this is why this item was lost in the first place and the lid remained attached to the gentleman’s pocket??).

As you’ll see, there are no hallmarks around the rim, but I’m sure it’s silver, which is odd. The top has been flatten (presumably a plough?), so unfortunately I can’t see if it still contains anything. I’ve also added a picture of the other side, which should make clearer that there are no remains of a hinge.

Cheers
Steve

[sweepstick47]

Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette

I can't confidently disagree but at 50mm I'd suggest it's a bit too big for a Vinaigrette which on average seem to be in the region of 20mm x 30mm. They also sport a secondary inner pierced lid under which the wadding is located so a little more depth is required than is featured in the average Vesta case perhaps 15mm or so.
However, if it turns out to be an 'oversized' Vinaigrette, it would be unusual but at the same time a very desirable detector find indeed. Cheers Eric

[StevieJ]

Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette

I should add that this was found in southern scotland. All the examples I can find have a flat hinged lid. Have you ever seen any that look like this one Percy?

Cheers
Steve

[KevinB]

Cracking find I would be delighted with that. Cleaned up that will look stunning. Well done.....

[mrcheeky]

very nice mate congrats

[Dave The Slave]

Lovely find.
Cheers,
Dave.