Antique Mistletoe Art Nouveau French Silver Vesta Case By Charles Murat

This beautiful and rare Victorian silver vesta case is crafted in rectangular form with a flat-top spring-hinged lid and fine enamel detailing, offering a glimpse into the elegant so...

An exceptional example of Victorian whimsy and craftsmanship, this antique silver vesta case is both a functional object and a collector’s delight. Designed in the form of a miniatur...

A rare and delightful late 19th-century gilt-brass vesta case with hand-painted enamel scenes, in the tradition of playful Continental "novelty" smoking accessories. The exterior lid depicts a gentleman seated on a riverbank fishing, while a lady stands nearby. Below, a hand-painted French inscription reads: “Entagaînant le goujon jéveux”, which loosely translates as “Catching the gudgeon I desire.” In French slang of the period, “gudgeon” (goujon) was both a small fish and a playful metaphor for a naïve “catch,” giving the scene a humorous double meaning. Opening the case reveals a hidden risqué scene: the same couple, but with the lady having taken a tumble, her skirts up and legs in the air, much to the surprise of her companion. The interior enamel is inscribed in French “Les surprises de Suzon” (“Suzon’s surprises”), a humorous and cheeky detail typical of these whimsical 19th-century objets de vertu. The case is of gilt brass with a ribbed striking surface to the base and retains its original hinged construction. The enamel is beautifully executed in vivid colors and remains in very good condition for its age, with only minor wear consistent with use. Dimensions: Approx. Length 4.6 cm, Width 3,7 cm, Height 1.1 cm. Weight: 39 grams Origin: France, circa 1880–1900 Materials: Gilt brass, enamel Condition: Very good antique condition with light surface wear; enamels intact and vibrant. This piece would make a superb addition to any collection of antique smoking accessories...

A delightful antique French vesta case (match safe), finely crafted in gilt brass and decorated with a colorful hand-painted enamel plaque. The enamel scene depicts a playful seaside...

A rare and delightfully whimsical Victorian-era sterling silver vesta case, dated 1887, showcasing a unique blend of satire and fine craftsmanship. This collectible piece, both funct...

This is an antique Art Nouveau style silver chatelaine box. It comes from Austria with gilt inside silver box with iris motif on the lid. I have included a 19.25 inch sterling silver...

This stunning Art Nouveau gift box is executed in bronze and gold embossed blue leather. The round bronze lid is designed as a chrysanthemum and has a beautiful patina. The inside i...

A 19th century gold vesta case, with floral decoration, and set with sapphire and diamonds, compartment and striker to base, plain gold hoop, 4cm high.

This rare Art Nouveau notebook case, may be a souvenir, depicts the center square of Munich, Marienplatz with the town hall and the fountain with the sta...

A fine antique Chinese silver vesta or matchsafe. Decorated to both sides with an embossed dragon above the ocean. Having a crude striker to the base. Simply a wonderful Chinese s...