WE SHIP! The AEAA is very proud to present this handsome pair of ca. 1900 - 1915, Sterling Vestas, including (1) James Blake handsome Georgian floral and a Louis 15th style repousse floral. Both are marked & have original metal springs, plus are in excellent condition. Both are monogrammed, and the James Blake adds the signature exterion Sterline trademark to the sterling rim mark. These measure 1.75 x 2.615 inches tall, with a total weight of 49.6 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. James E. Blake Co. of Attleboro, MA., was founded in 1881 as Blake & Caflin. It was incorporated in 1898 as James E. Blake Co., and survived into the Great depression, going out of business in the mid 1930s. A latter Victorian trademark, was a sidewall SterlinE designation. James E. Blake Vestas / Match Safes were punctuated with highly distinctive repousse people & scenics. There may also be a faint Script Monogram (possible finishers mark).

XA - B218 - Excellent condition