This unusual and rare antique silver match safe is French, circa 1890. It is in the form of a book and commemorates the death of Victor Hugo in 1885. Hugo was the acclaimed poet, novelist and dramatist. One of his most acclaimed works, was Les Miserables.

This match safe is symbolically in the form of a book and labeled Victor Hugo dated 1885. It is finely detailed and engraved. It has rose gold vermeil accents and the interior has the original gold gilding. Then interior has the silver pocket to hold matches. Note the decoration in rose gold is cleverly, the fleur de lis. It retains French guarantee stamps for silver ( a Boar's head) and for gold (head of an eagle) on theta right corners. It is a working match safe that is so finely rendered, that it becomes a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection.

Pictured with a long niello chain, for reference, it demonstrates it would be fantastic on either a chain or cord , It measures 1 3/4 inches long X 1 1/4 inches across. The condition is excellent. France, circa 1890.