{"product_id":"sterling-silver-vesta-case-john-millward-banks-birmingham-1896","title":"Sterling Silver Vesta Case, John Millward Banks, Birmingham 1896","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eA sterling silver vesta case made by John Millward Banks in Birmingham in 1896. A vesta case is the small hinged box a Victorian gentleman carried to hold his matches, struck on the ribbed panel along the base and clipped to a watch chain by the loop at the top. This one is covered front and back in dense hand-engraved foliate scrollwork with a vacant circular cartouche on the front. Banks worked from Northampton Street in Birmingham, the heart of the small-silver trade, and was a well-regarded maker of these cases. The inside of the lid is engraved \"NOTTINGHAM,\" a personal note left by whoever first carried it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Type | Vesta Case (Match Safe)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Maker | John Millward Banks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Material | Sterling silver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Hallmark | Birmingham, 1896, lion passant, anchor, date letter, J.M.B maker's mark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Origin | England, Birmingham\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Age | 1896, Victorian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Size | 2 in H x 1 in W\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Decoration | Hand-engraved foliate scrollwork, vacant circular cartouche\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Inscription | \"NOTTINGHAM\" engraved inside the lid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[d]Striker | Ribbed striker panel to base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e[condition]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThe case is in good antique condition with honest wear from use. The hand-engraved scrollwork is crisp and reads clearly across both faces. The hinge is sound and the lid closes with a working spring action that snaps shut. The ribbed striker panel on the base shows wear from years of striking matches, which is exactly what you want to see on a vesta that was actually carried. The interior shows darkening and light staining consistent with long use holding matches. The hallmarks are clear. No dents or splits. The circular cartouche on the front was never engraved with a monogram and remains blank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis vesta is sterling silver by a named, collectible Birmingham maker, well suited to anyone who collects small silver, match safes, or smoking accessories, or who likes a small antique object with a personal history to it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Austyn Marie Design","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51477629993238,"sku":"AMD-03409","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0896\/4623\/5926\/files\/DSA09344.jpg?v=1789590437","url":"https:\/\/austynmariedesign.com\/products\/sterling-silver-vesta-case-john-millward-banks-birmingham-1896","provider":"Austyn Marie Design","version":"1.0","type":"link"}