Antique Victorian Rebus “How the Devil...” Novelty Trick Matchsafe Vesta Box

Description

Please take a moment to read the entire description and view all of the photographs.
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Presented is an late Victorian/Edwardian period novelty matchsafe made of brass with a nickel silver finish.
The top is engraved with a rebus of “How the [devil] do you open it?” since there are no readily apparent means of accessing the contents.
The answer is it opens by pressing at the 12:00 position.
The striker is located along the right edge.
A cunning antique vesta!
Marks
none
Measurements
2” by 1 1/2” by 1/2”
Condition
Overall very good condition, there are just a few minor losses to the plate as shown.
There’s also an imprint on the back where the previous dealer had affixed the tag with scotch tape (grr)
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Returns
All sales are final unless an item has significant issues not disclosed in the description or photographs.
All items are preowned, vintage, or antique, and should be assumed to show acceptable signs of age and gentle use, which can include light tarnish and/or minor surface wear.
Notable faults will always be described and photographed in detail.
If you’re unclear about anything (including dimensions, color, weight, etc.), please ask before purchase.
Shipping
First class shipping in the US is always free.
International first class shipping starts at .75.
Insurance included on domestic orders over 0.
Additional services are available upon request for an extra charge.
We pack carefully and recycle materials whenever possible.
Please notify us immediately of any special shipping or packing requests as we ship very promptly.
Make an Offer!
We are happy to consider serious and reasonable offers.
Lowball offers (e.g. 50% of our listing price) will be declined instantly and we may block offending accounts.