WE SHIP! The AEAA is very proud to present this handsome pair of ca. 1900s - 1915, Vestas, including a Gilbert Co. Vesta Renaissance floral, bordered and monogrammed. The Webster is a lovely floral neo-classical, also monogrammed. Both are in Excellent condition with original metal pin springs. The Webster measures 1.75 x 2.875 tall, and the total weight is 52.6 grams. These heirlooms are from the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford, noted dealers and lifelong collectors of valuable antiques. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Internationally, well over 2,000 styles of match safes / Vestas were produced during the 1870-1920 half century. Repousse Rococo, Italian Renaissance, Louis XIV, Art Nouveau, and later Art Deco styles were prevalent.Materials used for this special art form were; Sterling Silver, enameled iron, platinum, gold in any grade or color, a Japanese style called mokume gane (resembling wood grain), copper, silver plated (EPNS-England), and bronze. The Vesta has become a prime collectible, and are very valuable. xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Webster & Co. North Attleboro, MA. was founded ca. 1894, surviving until the present day. Founded by George K. Webster as G.K. Webster & Co. in 1878, it became the Webster Co. ca. 1894. Webster produced miscellaneous sterling flatware items, hollo-ware including exceptional Vestas, vanity items and novelties along with a small line of silver plate items. It became a subsidiary of Reed & Barton in 1950, operating as an independent company, and was finally purchased by the Frank W. Smith Silver Co. in 1958. xxxxxxxxxxxx. The F.S. Gilbert & Co. of North Attleboro, MA. was founded ca. 1899, operating until 1913. Specializing in the production of Sterling Vestas (match safes), the company also supplied sterling flatware, souvenir spoons, and novelties. Prior to 1914, the business was sold to local businessmen M.J. Baer, E.F. Wilde, and M. Harzberg. Sterling marks were found with the G either before or behind the Sterling qualifier.

XA - B214 - Excellent condition