Silver Vesta box ?

Finds and artefacts found while out metal detecting which require identifying.
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StevieJ
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Silver Vesta box ?

Post by 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.
CE72438C-E941-4687-9975-0DB5ED4FBAAF.jpeg
FDC738ED-90E7-49ED-90BF-1E3D1AE3AE61.jpeg
251239A0-9A22-4E3D-8BC0-4C4B1F8C517E.jpeg
D45C2350-1B3D-4384-B1AD-56BC28803093.jpeg
A90AEF13-A5FA-4FF4-84FF-EE4CE7009790.jpeg
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 [54/]). 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
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fred
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Post by fred »

Perhaps a slightly squashed vesta box? [88/] Size and age is about right. No striker on the bottom?
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Post by 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
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Post by percy vere »

Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette [81/]
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Post by ManOnTheMoon »

fred wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 9:03 pm Perhaps a slightly squashed vesta box? [88/]
Ah, yes, I could imagine matches fitting into that box.

The reference to Italian scooters initially had me puzzled, though. 😉
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Post by StevieJ »

[49/] only just realised my typo.
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Post by StevieJ »

All fixed now
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Post by StevieJ »

percy vere wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 9:35 pm Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette [81/]
Interesting idea. Thank you [81/]

I’ll see what I can find about these.
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sweepstick47
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Post by 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 [81/]
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 [81/]
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StevieJ
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Post by StevieJ »

sweepstick47 wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 11:13 pm If so, an additional view would be appreciated as it may hold more information [81/]
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 [81/]
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
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sweepstick47
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Post by sweepstick47 »

percy vere wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 9:35 pm Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette [81/]
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. [81/] Cheers Eric
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StevieJ
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Post by StevieJ »

percy vere wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 9:35 pm Hi, Nice find I think it's actually a vinaigrette [81/]
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
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Post by KevinB »

Cracking find I would be delighted with that. Cleaned up that will look stunning. Well done..... [81/]
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Post by mrcheeky »

very nice mate congrats
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Post by Dave The Slave »

Lovely find.
Cheers, [81/]
Dave.
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