Incredible Victorian Silver Match Safe - Best silver find in 35 years

[doninbrewster]

I went to check out a new spot yesterday and came up with what I think is my finest silver find in 35 years of detecting. Yes, I did find a sterling knee buckle last year that is more historically significant, but not nearly as beautiful as this piece. I was hunting a pounded school yard looking for what others missed and came up with more nickels including a silver war nickel and the smallest silver medal I've ever seen. It started snowing and I wanted to give this new site a quick look. Only spent 15 minutes there, but it sure was worth it. Came up with this beautiful silver match case/safe. It's in remarkable condition with no dents and when I opened it up it looked almost new inside. Quite unusual for a ground find. My guess is it was made to be water resistant to protect the matches and it did it's job. I found the exact same piece for sale on ebay. Antique 5080 Ornate Fancy Whiting Sterling Silver Vesta Match Box Safe Holder | eBay

 

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[Fingerlakes119]

Great find on the match safe its condition is excellent. Find of a life time.
HH george

 

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[Army of 1]

Very nice piece , amazing condition , congrats ..cheers Mick

 

[Padiggers]

Now tell me exactly were that new site is Now I know why we dig all those holes.....NICE!

 

[detectahead]

Very sweet!!

 

[Jesse James]

Anyone know an approximate date that can be put to this item? That thing is nice. Very interesting and impressive find!

 

[Don in SJ]

Don, that is one beautiful piece and a great addition to your collection! Don

 

[Argentium]

That is one very special find that you'll always treasure ! We don't often see one that nice showing up here .

 

[CRUSADER]

That is a fantastic piece. I found what I think is one just like yours that sold also on Ebay.

Vintage Art Nouveau Whiting Sterling Silver Vesta Match Safe Early 20th C | eBay

Good research that was the ballpark figure I was thinking, the other asking price was crazy, although it makes no difference to me whether its a good find or not. I've never had a complete one & it would look good in any collection.

 

[pepperj]

It comes down to a person can ask anything they want, what the market price for an item is a whole different matter. Between the two there has to be common ground as I see the prices at two different ends and the lower seems just that too low for such a piece, it'll look great in a display as either price wouldn't entice me to sell a one of as is comes down to have and had something.

 

[park pirate]

Very cool nice condition to...

 

[doninbrewster]

Thanks for all the nice compliments. I agree with crusader, the asking price for the piece on ebay was shooting for the moon. To me it's not about the value, it's just a beautiful piece and amazing find to come out of the ground. Banner?

 

[beez0404]

Anyone know an approximate date that can be put to this item? That thing is nice. Very interesting and impressive find!

Considering the style I would guestimate early 1900s.............say 1900-1915 or thereabouts.

 

[schwabie16]

Great find!!!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Awesome one-of-a-kind piece Don!