This is an extremely rare original British Victorian brass 'book shaped' match safe or vesta, made by Buncher & Haseler of Birmingham, with 2 London Patent Office 'diamond' registration marks (registered by the above company) dating this holder to 17th April 1876.

Buncher & Haseler were the first Company to register this particular design & a similar (but later holder, without the registration marks, which shows how scarce the holders are) can be found on page 71, Fig 256, in the Schiffer 'Book of Match Holders', along with a short detail of the holder & the Company.

The holder has been intricately cast with a symmetrical design around a 'foilage' centrepiece to both sides, & a beautifully detailed curved spine, simulating a Victorian book with an embossed cover.

The case can be opened at either end, via the top & bottom edges, which hinge out from the 'spine'. The striker, or striking panel, is on the leading edge, opposite the spine.

Both the top & bottom panels are marked with the Victorian 'diamond' registration mark which shows that the design or shape had been registered at the London Patent Office.(this is the 2nd 'diamond' registration mark that was used from 1868-83)

At the top of the mark is a circle with the class of material used (1 = Metal), underneath this is the date of the month (17), clockwise is the year (V = 1876), then the month (H = April), & then the parcel No. (2). In the centre is (R) which stands for Registered Design : This dates the holder from 17th April 1876 to 17th April 1879 at the latest (registrations only lasted 3 years).

Condition is Excellent : Both hinges are strong, On the front of the case there appears to be a scratch, but on closer inspection, this has happened during manufacture & is not a fault or defect, the other side of the case has a small 'scorch' mark, & the striker is slightly worn : excellent all round condition for a 131 year old matchsafe

Dimensions are approx 4.5cm high, 3.5cm wide, and 1.2cm deep.