A sterling silver pocket match vesta, or match safe, in the classic form featuring a human skull with old mine cut ruby eyes. The skull is very beautifully depicted in detail and realism. Quite often items featuring skulls tend to be a little cartoonish, or more humourous. However, this example is a little more realistic, and sinister. The design features a very tightly snapping top hinged lid, and then on the underneath of the base is a striking plate. The striking works well with a non-safety match, and is in excellent condition, as can be seen from the picture of it on its side. There is a soldered link and an additional link which is where this would have been attached to a watch, or Albert chain, and stored in a verst pocket. The quality of the stamping from the die is exceptional and helps to create quite the foreboding scene to it. The subject matter of a human skull was one that was very popular during the Victorian times. It falls under the movement coined by a latin expression; "Memento Mori". This translates into; "Remember you must die". The vanitas and memento mori picture initially became popular in the seventeenth century, in a religious age when almost everyone believed that life on earth was merely a preparation for an afterlife. This subject matter appeared a lot more in jewellery and art work during the mid to late nineteenth century, taking on many different forms. The piece is sterling silver, and features a set of English hallmarks for having been made by Williams Limited, in Birmingham, in 1903. The piece is in excellent condition throughout, with wear commensurate with age. These vesta, or safes, are great pieces to keep around the house, even for the non-smoker. If there are candles being used in the home, this is a chic and practical way to store matches for easy use.
