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

The holder was made in the USA, and advertises Selig Bros & Co, Tailors.

A similar case, with the same rear image, can be found in the Schiffer Book 'Pocket Matchsafes - reflections of Life & Art 1840-1920', on page 169 : Fig R1:2.

The front of the case has 'Compliments of SELIG BROS & CO, The Leading Wholesale Tailors, 8 and 10 Battery St, San Francisco, Cal - "ABREAST WITH THE TIMES" - The Whitehead & Hoag Co, Newark, NJ'.

On both edges of the case is 'Satisfaction Guaranteed'.

The rear of the case has a risque image (for the time) of two naked nymph's, angels, or fairys, in an embrace.

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

The case can be dated to pre 1905, as Whitehead & Hoag used patent No's on their cases from 1905, & also Selig Bros premises at 8 & 10 Battery St were destroyed during the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, (they 'lost their entire plant' according to a report in the New York Times, dated April 29, 1906).

Condition is good for it's 104 years, the plating has some discolouration & light wear on the bottom cap, there is light surface rust on the edges of the tin plate, & the celluloid design has a 4 mm round burn. The case is in original condition & has not been cleaned - Please see magnified photo's.

This is a large Whitehead & Hoag case & measures approx 7cm in height and 4cm wide.