Name/Title
Tetley's Teas, portable vesta case, match safeEntry/Object ID
992.10.2Description
Rectangular shaped vesta case also known as a match safe which is made of metal with rounded corners. The decorative finish on the lid of the container was an advertisement that depicts an elephant with a red hat holding a box of tea with his trunk, text reads in large red letters "Tetley's Teas"Context
This is a vesta case. If the name Vesta sounds familiar it’s because this case was named after the Roman goddess of the hearth. The Roman hearth contained fire for both home and public use, making Vesta a fitting name for something used as a portable match safe.
Vesta cases were introduced following the manufacture of “friction lights” or ‘lucifer’ matches in 1826. These matches ignited explosively from the heat of friction, and were dangerous to carry loosely in a pocket. Although these cases had a practical purpose, their decoration varied from elaborate gold and silver cases to those decorated with company logos and advertisements. This example from the Museum’s collection was produced in the late 19th century with an advertisement for “Tetley’s Tea.” The elephant is holding a shipping crate, presumably filled with tea, labelled with “India” and “Ceylon.” At this time Tetley’s tea originated from India and British Ceylon also known as Sri Lanka.Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Safe, MatchNomenclature Sub-Class
Storage & Display AccessoriesNomenclature Class
Household AccessoriesNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsSearch Terms
India, Sri Lanka, British Ceylon, Tetley Tea, Tea, vesta case, match safe, fire, matches, smokingLegacy Lexicon
Object Name
Matchbox, vesta case match safe, Safe, Match
