A ‘stunning’ collection of Vesta match cases collected by a Derbyshire man who was passionate about his home county and antiques could fetch £10,000 at auction.
Some 30 elegant and quirky boxes, some with a hunting or animal theme, will go under the hammer in Hansons Auctioneers’ October Fine Art Auction. They were amassed over many years, often from auctions, by the late Michael Finnikin, from Ashbourne.
Hansons’ associate director Adrian Rathbone, who catalogued the collection, said: “I knew Mr Finnikin and handled some of the Vesta cases he bought at auction years ago. He was fascinated by antiques an proud of his home county.
“His collection is stunning. Some of his finest and most sought after Vesta cases have a golf or horse racing theme. Novelty boxes featuring padlocks are in demand too. Estimates range from £100 to over £1,000 for each one. In total, the collection could raise £10,000.
“Vesta is the old word for matches. In the late 19th and early 20th century well-to-do gents often acquired a smart Vesta case as a status symbol and fashion accessory.
Name inspired by Roman goddess of fire, Vesta
“One of the highlights is a Mordan case in the form of a gent’s calling card. Mordan are considered to be one of the leading Vesta case makers and are likened to Asprey.”
Vesta cases are so-called thanks to a maker taking inspiration from the goddess Vesta, a Roman deity of fire and the hearth. They came into use in the 1830s and were produced extensively between 1890 and 1920.
Mr Rathbone said: “During that period everyone carried matches to ignite stoves, lanterns and other devices. However, matches were unreliable back then and prone to ignite spontaneously. To avoid problems, people carried a ‘match safe’ to house their matches.
“The wealthier you were, the more impressive the boxes. Rich people liked decorative boxes made from silver or gold. The less well off made do with tin or brass.”
The Michael Finnikin Vesta Collection will be sold on October 9 at Hansons Auctioneers, Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffs, ST17 0XN. To find out more, email [email protected]. Anything to sell.
Free valuations in Ashbourne every Monday
Hansons offers free valuations every Monday, 2.30-4pm, at Fairways Garden Centre, Clifton, Ashbourne, DE6 2GN. Home visits and quotes for house clearance and downsizing available. Call 01283 733988 or email [email protected]
