{"product_id":"unusual-antique-hand-carved-fragment-mirror-vesta-with-slide-openings-at-both-ends-presumed-earlier-19th-century-copy","title":"Unusual Antique Hand-carved Fragment Mirror Vesta with Slide Openings at Both Ends, Presumed Earlier 19th Century (Copy)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn unusual little box, found in Lancaster County, the scale and shape of a vesta, which I think it was carved to be, but unusual for having slide openings on both ends. I presume it was the fragment of mirror that gave cause to the carving the box--a precious thing, not to go to waste--and were the box empty of matches, I presume the mirror could be used to spark a fire. I also presume the twice recessed long side of the box was meant for striking said matches--which, as I understand it, before the advent of safety matches (requiring friction to ignite) could be struck straight across wood. Quite a special feeling thing, my guess is 2nd quarter 19th century, though I do not claim to know for certain. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 2 3\/4\" x 1 5\/16\" x 11\/16\". Good condition, with native imperfections and a little de-silvering to the mirror as evident. There is one small hairline crack in the wood on the face of it, top right corner, stable and I don't think at all detracting. The top slide is carved more finely than the lower one and fits very very snugly; the other a bit looser but still holding tight and closing square and flush. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531734659326,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8501_1b25b458-9b1b-4786-b75a-003d22d73d70.jpg?v=1783085382","url":"https:\/\/www.criticaleyefinds.com\/products\/unusual-antique-hand-carved-fragment-mirror-vesta-with-slide-openings-at-both-ends-presumed-earlier-19th-century-copy","provider":"critical EYE Finds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}