Antiques & Vintage Smalls
This is not a reproduction. This in an original 1908 Billiken Vesta Case Match Safe, Made in Germany. The Billiken is a charm doll created by an American art teacher and illustrator, Florence Pretz of Kansas City, Missouri, who is said to have seen the mysterious figure in a dream. It is believed that Pretz found the name Billiken in Bliss Carman's 1896 poem "Mr. Moon: A Song Of The Little People". In 1908, she obtained a design patent on the ornamental design of the Billiken, which she sold to the Billiken Company of Chicago. The Billiken was monkey-like with pointed ears, a mischievous smile and a tuft of hair on his pointed head. His arms were short and he was generally sitting with his legs stretched out in front of him. Billiken is known as "The God of Things as They Ought to Be". To buy a Billiken was said to give the purchaser luck, but to receive one as a gift would be better luck. The image was copyrighted and a trademark was put on the name. After a few years of popularity, the Billiken faded into obscurity. Although they are similar, the Billiken and the baby-like kewpie figures that debuted in the December 1909 Ladies' Home Journal are not the same. Today, the Billiken is the official mascot of Saint Louis University and St. Louis University High School, both Jesuit institutions located in St. Louis. The Billiken is also the official mascot of the Royal Order of Jesters, an invitation only Shriner group, affiliated with Freemasonry. The Billiken also became the namesake of Billiken Shokai, the Japanese toy & model manufacturing company (established 1976).
Fully hallmarked "U.S.P. Oct. 6, 08 D.R.G.M." (1908) "Made in Germany".
Hinge is good and tight, and the lid closes properly. Still retains its original finish and patina.
This is an extremely rare piece from Michael's private, personal collection.
Rare and beautiful Vesta Case with tortoise shell. No cracks or chips. Hinge and tension rod are good and tight. Nice figural miniature match safe to add to anyone's collection. Early 1900s. Nickle Silver.
This is a rare piece from Michael's private, personal collection.
This beautiful, antique Dutch miniature sterling silver desktop boat Vesta, manufactured by Pairpoint Bros in London 1908, was crafted in 934 dutch sterling silver.
It has a lift up lid with a strong hinge. Below is an open space for the small matches. The hallmarks are all good and clear. Condition is excellent.
Import hallmarked to A.P / F.P / A.P = Pairpoint Bros, London. Date letter n = 1908, UK 925 silver.
Dutch marks for H H represent H Hartman Schoonhoven 1889 -1910 or H Hooykaas Schoonhoven 1906 - 1924.
The roof mark rubbed with a m for Schoonhoven, dutch date mark p = 1908 below the lid rim.
The size is approx 10 cm long x 3 cm wide at the roof x 8 cm tall.
This is an exquisite and extremely rare piece from Michael's private, personal collection and would be an ideal addition to any fine sterling miniature collection.
Beautiful, ornate Vesta case crafted in solid sterling silver by La Pierre Mfg. Co. La Pierre became a division of International Silver Co. in 1929. Hinge and tension rod are excellent. Lid snaps closed and is perfectly aligned with no issues. 23.2 grams / .82 oz. Monogrammed "Mac".
Beautiful scroll repoussé design on this antique, sterling silver match safe. Hinge and tension rod are good and tight. Lid snaps closed and closes straight with no gaps, no issues. Seams are all good. Inside, including the tension rod, looks like it was never used. Still has all of its original gold wash interior. No repairs or major flaws. Marked Sterling and weighs 15 grams / .53 oz. Monogrammed "GTL".
This beautiful Sterling Silver Cigarette Case has deep, hand engraved chase work and boasts a very unique sterling silver double spring chain. The case has a very clever way of opening. The top must be slid upwards and a hinged spring pops the lid open. To close, close the lid and slide the lid back down into the locked position. The hinge is extremely strong and sturdy. The entire case is in excellent condition and very well made with thick, heavy 950 silver. Could also be used as a wallet to hold currency, credit cards, business cards, etc. Measures 3 1/4" wide x 4 5/8" long x 3/8" thick. Weighs in at 149.4 grams / 5.27 oz.
Beautiful, ornate and figural Sterling Silver Calling Card / Business Card Case with ultra high relief detail. Fully hallmarked with the maker's mark (William Hutton & Sons Ltd.), the anchor (Birmingham Town Mark), the lion passant (Sterling Standard), and an "f" (Year 1905). Heavy gauge silver weighing in at 77 grams / 2.72 oz. Measures 4 1/8" X 3 1/8". Fits full size business cards, license, credit cards, currency, etc. Beautiful condition. No splits. Hinge is tight and lid closes well and stays closed. Monogrammed "KML"
Fredrick Marson, one of the most prolific and imaginative silversmiths of the 19th century, designed this exquisite piece in Birmingham, 1891. Handcarved in Acanthus leaf and scroll decoration, with a blank central cartouche to personalize it with your very own initials. Minor dings to corners. Can easily hold full size business cards, license, credit cards, currency, etc. Fully hallmarked with the maker's mark (FM), the anchor (Birmingham Town Mark), the lion passant (Sterling Standard), and an "r" (Year 1891). Made of 57.2 grams / 2.02 oz. Sterling Silver.
Awaiting your purchase is a beautiful sterling silver chamberstick fashioned by the silversmiths of Gorham Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. The heart-shaped drip bowl is decorated to the outside with a repoussé rococo design. This charming and useful item is in excellent antique condition and bears no monograms. Fully hallmarked Gorham Sterling 324. Measures 2 1/4" tall X 4" Wide. Weighs 42 grams / 1.47 oz.