This is an early Straw-Work matchsafe or Vesta case, almost certainly of French manufacture, & made during the reign of Napoleon III, around 1850 - 60.

Straw-Work gained popularity in the UK during the 19th Century, after it was introduced by the French & Dutch Napoleonic prisoners-of-war, who were held in British prisons until around 1815.

The box, which has a 'push on' lid, has been intricately worked, with the main body having extremely fine mosaic work in a geometric pattern, & the top of the lid with a marquetry work design .

The base of the box has an Ivory panel with cross hatch engraving, so to act as a striker (the use of ivory as a striker is quite rare, as glass paper was the norm). .

The interior of the box, not having been exposed to light, shows the bright & vivid gold, green, ruby & purple colours of the straw, & gives an idea of how stunning this box would have looked when it was made around 160 years ago.

Condition is very good, given the age & fragility of the box, the exterior colours have faded over time, there is some of the 'stringing' missing from the central & bottom bands, & there are 2 small pieces of veneer missing from the top of the lid - please see magnified photos.

Measurements are approx 5cm high, 3.7cm wide, & 2.3cm deep.

All in all, a scarce, early, straw-work match safe, in good condition, & particularly unusual in having an ivory striker.