Rare Bryant & May - Jahnckes Vesta Case Depicting the images of GORDON & KITCHENER c1900

Here on offer is a really interesting and rare souvenir Bryant & May, Jahnckes vesta case, remembering Kitchener’s victory at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898. It depicts the images of Gordon & Kitchener, circa 1900.

On the front it has a photo printed sepia label with the images of Gordon 1885 and Kitchener 1898.

Gordon was killed at the famous Siege of Khartoum in 1885. Fighting continued between Egypt and the Mahdists over the following years. Complex international events led to further European expansion into Africa, compelling the British to take a more active role in the conflict. The Anglo-Egyptian forces steadily regained their control over Sudan. In 1896, an expedition led by Herbert Kitchener (who had sworn to avenge Gordon) was sent to reconquer the whole country. On 2 September 1898, Kitchener's troops defeated the largest Mahdist army at the Battle of Omdurman. Two days later, a memorial service for Gordon was held in front of the ruins of the palace where he had died. Fourteen years after the Mahdist capture of Khartoum, the Mahdist Revolt was finally extinguished at the Battle of Umm Diwaykarat in November 1899.

The image now shows signs of staining but the images can still be made out.

The tin case originally had a gilt finish, most of which has now worn off over the years of use and now has a dark surface rust finish to the tin.

Around the edges of the hinged lid and main section it is embossed with an ornate swirling design.

On both ends of the case it has the raised letters that read as:

JAHNCKE'S PATENT

Jahncke's Patent refers to the inventions and products of Ernest Jahncke, a tin box manufacturer based in London. He founded Jahncke ltd. in 1873, which was later incorporated in 1893. Jahncke's most notable products were needle cases and vesta (match) boxes, often bearing his "Jahncke's Patent" mark. His company also supplied Bryant & May with boxes for their wax vestas, of which this vesta case is one such example.

Inside the case, on the bottom surface you can just make out a reverse image of the words:

BRYANT & MAY’S
WAX MATCHES

On the outside of the base, it still retains the original match stricker pad that shows signs of use.

The lid closes properly and the hinge is in full working order.

This is a RARE original example of an antique Victorian militaria souvenir vesta/match case, that are now very hard to find.

The case measures 1.8” (4.7cm) long, 1.25” (3.2cm) wide and 0.5” (1.3cm) deep.

It weighs 11.5g.

A great Antique Bryant & Mays, Jahnckes Patent Match case.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country

Code: 51911