History Lessons at an Auction
HISTORY! This is the part of the Auction process I absolutely LOVE! I saw this 4 1/2″ x 4″ Cast Iron Matchsafe at the first auction I attended. This double urn Matchsafe (also known as Vesta Case), was very popular between 1870 – 1930. This information, of course, was readily available on my iPhone – another much needed tool when attending Auctions….hint!
Back in the day, “fire sticks” were very dangerous to carry or to store inside of a home. Due to the real danger of the fire sticks rubbing together and causing premature combustion, cast iron “Matchsafes” were created. This particular Matchsafe utilized a newly patented method of attaching metal parts together using a tab and a slot (see photo below).
This particular Matchsafe was made to be mounted on a wall, possibly near a stove. There is some wear on the striker plate. The circa for this Matchsafe is late 1800’s. Later Matchsafes were made of tin with lithographed advertisements. Historical information regarding Bradley & Hubbard Cast Iron Double Urn Matchsafe can be found in the Smithsonian Institution Castle Collection.
Please click to purchase this wonderful piece of history.