Match safes were used in the 18th and 19th century to hold small matches. It was used mostly for carrying matches in the pocket. Matches in the earlier period were made of phosphorous and it was dangerous to carry them in the pocket as it could ignite unexpectedly. Match safes are also known as vesta cases or vesta boxes after the deity of fire. Match safes had a ribbed area at the bottom for lighting the matches. They came in different designs and were commonly made of sterling silver.