Early 19th C. Brass Vesta with Engraved Sun Shining Through Clouds black porcelain sugar bowl And then this letter to

And then this letter to mother

amplified (and made rather ridiculous to a modern eye) by his traditional lederhosen

With its great architectural handle (which perfectly accommodates two fingers) and flat pedestal base

As noted above

and at the toe is what looks to me at least like the suggestion of a heart

Early 19th C. Brass Vesta with Engraved Sun Shining Through Clouds black porcelain sugar bowl And then this letter toI believe this was made to function as a vesta rather than as a snuff box, early 19th century European I believe. And a sun casting rays through the clouds seems just right to me as the imagery engraved on a case for matches made long before there was electricity let there be light! 2 3 4" x 1 1 2" x 3 4" and in very good condition, with just a couple of small spots to the brass, which I have not touched. Opens easily and closes tight and flush.