Rare Victorian Plated Brass Vesta Case made by Thomas Turner & Company for Charles Baker & Company's Stores c1885

Here on offer is a rare Victorian nickel plated brass vesta case made by Thomas Turner & Company for Charles Baker & Company's Stores, circa 1885.

Charles Baker & Company stores were a chain of high-end menswear and boys' clothing retailers in London that operated primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were established in 1864 and specialized in ready-to-wear and bespoke clothing, often advertising their competitive prices and expanding into locations like High Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill. The company also famously published and sold decorative maps of London as a marketing tool. This vesta case was also probably made as a marketing/advertising tool around 1885.

This rectangular vesta or match and pin box, has curved corners and sides. It has an unusual construction, with an interior section that pivots open to allow access to matches that would be safely stored inside. It has a nail pull on the front to aid it being opened. The match striker is recessed on the side.

On the front it is inscribed with all the resellers details, including the price (2d) it was sold for:

CHAs BAKER
& Cos STORES
MATCH & PIN BOX
PRICE TWO PENCE
PRINCIPAL DEPOTS
271 272 273 274
HIGH HOLBORN
41 & 43
LUDGATE HILL,
137 138 139 140
TOTTENHAM COURT Rd
T T & Co. Rd. 26844

It also has the T.Turner's manufacturer's trademark stamped on lower left.

The Rd number 26844, dates the design to 1885.

On the back it is inscribed:

BEST STYLE & VALUE
IN HIGH CLASS
BESPOKE &
SUPERIOR
READY MADE
CLOTHING
OUTFITTING ETC FOR
GENTLEMEN & BOYS
25 PER CENT UNDER
USUAL LONDON RATES
CHAs BAKER & Co
LIMITED LONDON

The plating now shows signs of wear and loss to the finish, but the metal case remains undamaged and the interior section still opens and closes snuggly.

It measures 2” (5cm) by 1.4” (3.6cm) and weighs 27g.

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.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 52089