Featured Lighter case?

I don't know if this is the right place to post, but I picked this up at an estate sale because I liked the look of it. I think it used to contain a lighter. It looks bronze in the photos but it's actually a dull silver. The afternoon light changed the coloring. It has a ridge around all the edges and hash marks across the bottom on both sides of the ridge. Solid hinge with a good snap on closing. It's inscribed "Allie" and is 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3/8". Can anyone tell me anything about it or where I can find more information? Thanks!

 

Thank you! I thought it seemed a little thin for a lighter. I'm not seeing any marks. What would it be made out of if it's not hallmarked?

 

Marks on small things can be very small too. Marks on something like this with a flange where the top and bottom overlap are often found on the flanges. Unfortunately that is also a place where the marks would get a lot of wear. It's worth looking though.

 

Thank you both! I've learned a lot today. Not only about this piece, but also what to look for in the future.

 

Try to check out along both edges carefully where I've marked in red, both sides......maybe a little cleaning would help too!!!

 

I suggest you take a little silver polish and polish it. In so doing you may come across the mark.

 

May still be silver, even if unmarked. Smalls were often not.

 

Welcome to Antiquers, @MTalon -- Let us know if you find any mark at all.

 

Well, I took all your suggestions and cleaned that lip. Guess what? Thanks!

 

Couple new questions - any ideas about when this would have been made and roughly what it might be worth now?

 

Welcome to the forum!!

Now you understand why you never sell a piece of silver until it is polished.

Try searching sold listings on eBay for "sterling repousse vesta" & you should get a pretty good idea of on-line value.

 

Ain't that the ' case ' !!! heehehe!!!!

 

Thanks! I learned something else new - repousse!

 

Vesta cases existed from the mid/late 1800s up to the early 1900s. They stopped being made when two-part safety matches replaced friction matches. They were REALLY common, so they aren't worth a great deal, even if they are silver.

 

.... unless you get a really good maker.

Over here, those are twenty to forty pounds, tops.