Vulcanite Match Safe / Vesta Case

Dating to 1901/02, this match safe / vesta case was made to commemorate British King Edward VII's accession to the throne.  It features Edward VII's portrait on one side, and the Order of the Garter motto on the other (“Honi soit qui mal y pense” - "Shame on him who thinks evil of it") surrounded by shamrocks, thistles and roses representing the three kingdoms of Ireland, Scotland, and England. 

This vesta case is made of vulcanite (sometimes known as ebonite), which was invented in the 1830's by heating natural rubber with sulphur, creating a hard but lightweight moldable material that was used to make pens, pipe stems, jewellery, vesta cases and even dentures!

Condition: Good used.  Both top and bottom hinges open well.  There is some browning on the sides due to age and photodegradation.

Dimensions:
Height - 2"
Width - 1.5"
Depth - 0.5"

Weight - 10 grams