This is a plated brass / tin plate & celluloid vesta or matchsafe 'three piece box', very similar to the boxes by Whitehead & Hoag, but this one made by Ajax Ltd around 1905.

The holder was made in the USA, and advertises G & J MacLachlan of Glasgow.

The front of the case has a picture of a castle & a celtic cross monument & reads 'WITH COMPLIMENTS FROM G. & J. MACLACHLAN - BREWERS DISTILLERS, WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, & EXPORTERS' - 'HEAD OFFICES , CASTLE CHAMBERS, GLASGOW' - 'AGENTS THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA, INDIA & AUSTRALIA'. The bottom of the case reads 'AJAX LTD, PHILPOT LANE, LONDON. - MADE IN USA'.

One edge of the case has a picture of a Brandy or Liqueur bottle, & the other edge has a picture of a Whisky ? bottle.

The rear of the case has a picture of a horse race & is entitled 'THE WORLDS RECORD - FIVE SUCCESSIVE WINS'.

The lid & base/striker are of plated brass, the body of tin plate and the cover of celluloid.

The hinge fixing on the lid is loose, so although complete, is stiff to open, & when closing the lid, the rear of the lid needs to be pushed & the lid lifted over the lip.

Condition, with exception of the lid, is very good for it's 107 years, the plating has some discolouration, there is light surface rust on the edges of the tin plate, & the celluloid design has a little rubbing - please see magnified photos.

The case measures approx 6cm in height and 3.6 cm wide.