Here is a unique piece of original 19th Century Americana
Rare and stunningly beautiful, 1899 B.P.O.E. / Elks Sterling Silver Figural Pocket Match Safe / Vesta. This outstanding, 1899 Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Figural Match Safe measures approx. 2 1/2” long and 1 1/2" at its widest. It is made in the form of an Elk's Tooth and features an embossed image of the head of an elk with the Elk's Lodge "Eleven O'clock Toast" Clock Face (with the hands of the clock pointing to 11 o'clock) above the head in stunningly beautiful, blue enamel. Above the clock are the letters "B.P.O.E." and on the hinged lid is the Lodge Number 175 (located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania).
The Vesta is marked Sterling and carries the mark of the manufacturer - Simons Brothers of Philadelphia. There is also a November 14, 1899 patent date. The striker is on the back of the hinged lid and the back side of the "tooth" has an elaborate three letter monogram engraving that appears to read "OPL" (not sure of the letters).
This beautiful Fraternal Organization Figural Match Safe (or Vesta as these pocket match safes are sometimes called) is in excellent condition. The sterling silver surface has a rich warm patina and there is no wear or damage to the embossed surface decoration or to the enamel clock face. The hinge spring is strong and the only significant wear is are a few small, shallow dents to the body of the "tooth"
A rare and very beautiful 1899 Sterling Silver and enameled B.P.O.E. / Elks Lodge Figural Elk Tooth Pocket Match Safe and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!
