WE SHIP! The AEAA is very proud to present this handsome pair of ca. 1910s - 1920s, Vestas, including a Sterling rounded rectangular match safe by Frank Whiting Co. & a German silver (copper, zinc & nickel) carved and enameled safe. Both are marked, with original metal pin springs, and each is in excellent condition. The Whiting is measured @ 1.5 x 2.375 tall, with a total weight of 42.3 grams. These heirlooms are from the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford, noted dealers and lifelong collectors of valuable antiques. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Internationally, well over 2,000 styles of match safes / Vestas were produced during the 1870-1920 half century. Repousse Rococo, Italian Renaissance, Louis XIV, Art Nouveau, and later Art Deco styles were prevalent.Materials used for this special art form were; Sterling Silver, enameled iron, platinum, gold in any grade or color, a Japanese style called mokume gane (resembling wood grain), copper, silver plated (EPNS-England), and bronze. The Vesta has become a prime collectible, and are very valuable. xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Founded in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1866 by William Dean Whiting, who had already made a name for himself as a maker of sterling silver with Tifft & Whiting, the Whiting Manufacturing Company was one of the late 19th century’s premier producers of sterling silver flatware, hollowware, and other decorative objects such as snuff boxes and classic Sterling Vestas (match safes). A fire at the factory in 1875 forced the company to relocate to New York City, and the F. M. Whiting & Company was rebuilt in 1878 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts by the son of William Whiting, (the founder of the Whiting Manufacturing Co). The company had numerous name changes throughout its history, such as the F.M. Whiting & Co. in 1878, F.M. Whiting in 1891, and the F.M. Whiting Co. in 1895. Production included Japanese-inspired pieces to compete with Gorham and Tiffany. Silver salts were shaped like lotus blossoms while hammered pitchers often featured silver fish such as carp and various seashells applied to the surface. Later, Whiting became renowned for its variety of different sterling silver items such as silverware, pitchers, bowls, tea sets, candlesticks, purses, Vestas, and much more. In 1905, Gorham purchased Whiting and made silver under the Whiting brand until it was discontinued in 1926.

XA - B213 - Excellent condition