A gilt washed, sterling silver pocket match vesta, or match safe, in the form of an addressed envelope, complete with stamp and postal markings. This charming little piece would have been a very easy way to carry enough matches for the day, while not being cumbersome. It is laid out in the true form of an envelope, with the recipient of the gift's name hand engraved on the front, where a letter would be addressed, and on the back it has the initials again of the recipient, and the person who gifted it.
There are two 'postal' stampings on the piece. The first next to the stamp confirming from where and when the 'letter' was sent, in this case New York , NY. and the three p.m. collection on '12', December, 1891. This is also stamped across a red Two Cent stamp with the profile of George Washington on it. This was the correct stamp denomination, at this time, for sending correspondence such as this. The rear postal stamp is to show that the letter has been received by the local Post Office, and when. Very sweetly, in this instance, it shows the date '12.25.91', showing that it was indeed a Christmas gift to the Colonel.
Once opened, via a hinge running along the spine of the envelope flap, there is a striking plate in a very patriotic stars and stripes pattern. The striking works well with a non-safety match, and is in excellent condition, as can be seen from the close up picture.
Colonel John G. Neumeister was a commissioned officer and Aide de Camp of the Illinois National Guard, and a very well regarded member of Chicago society. He was a wealthy, second generation, produce merchant and had a keen interest in politics, being elected city clerk of Chicago in 1883-85, and was a member of the staff of governor. He was a candidate for the democratic nomination for mayor of Chicago, running against ex mayor Edward F. Dunne. He died a fairly young man, at the age of fifty five in 1911, and stopped what could have been a longer run in the political sphere in America.
Although not marked for Gorham, this match safe bears all the hallmarks of others that were marked for Gorham, including the same patent date as those marked for Gorham, 24th June 1890. Also, along with other Gorham signed pieces it has the model number stamped on both the body and the flap, '13'. The condition of the piece is good, considering it is now over one hundred and twenty five years old. The enamel is all in tact, and clean and represents a wonderful part of American history from the nineteenth century.
