This exceptional and rare antique Victorian sterling silver vesta case has been realistically modelled in the form of the 'Bear and Ragged Staff'.
This impressive antique novelty vesta case is embellished with embossed details replicating the bear's anatomical features and fur.
The case is fitted with a hinged hallmarked cover to the lower portion, opening to reveal the original gilded interior.
The side of the cover is embellished to either side with the pun 'In Mind'.
The underside of this novelty silver vesta case incorporates a serrated panel/match striker.
The bear's back is accented with a plain ring loop attachment.
Such exceptional period examples are rare and becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
NOTE: * The 'Bear and Ragged Staff' is the crest of the Earls of Warwick and Warwickshire, and has been since at least the 14th century. The bear was a common heraldic device and implied boldness and courage, and a reference to a legendary early Earl of Warwick; however which Earl is in debate between Urse d'Abetot and Arthal. The Ragged Staff is said to pertain to Morvidus, an early Earl of Warwick who, according to legend, slain a giant "with a young ash tree torn up by the roots".
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Maker: A Bros Ltd
