This is a plated brass / tin plate & celluloid vesta or match safe 'three piece box' made by Whitehead & Hoag, in 1904.

The holder was made in the USA for export to Britain, and advertises ENGLAND'S GLORY matches.

The same case can be found in the Schiffer Book 'Pocket Matchsafes - reflections of Life & Art 1840-1920', on page 117 : Fig R2:3.

The front of the case has 'USE ENGLAND'S GLORY MATCHES' with the famous design featuring HMS DEVASTATION.

On the edge of the case is 'The Whitehead & Hoag Co, 92 Fleet St, London, EC. made in USA'.

The rear of the case reads 'COMPLIMENTS OF S J MORELAND & SONS, GLOUCESTER - MANUFACTURERS OF SAFTEY & PARAFFIN MATCHES ALSO WAX VESTAS.

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

The lack of a patent No. & the fact that Whitehead & Hoag opened thier Fleet St office in 1904, dates this case to 1904 (W & H started using patent No's in 1905).

Condition is Excellent for it's 103 years. The case is in original condition - Please see magnified photo's.

The case measures approx 6cm x 3.5cm