1
/
of
11
SW Curated
Antique 1901 Pan-American Exposition Match Safe, Buffalo NY Souvenir Vesta Case, Niagara Falls McKinley Era Americana
Antique 1901 Pan-American Exposition Match Safe, Buffalo NY Souvenir Vesta Case, Niagara Falls McKinley Era Americana
Regular price
$115.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$115.00 USD
Quantity
Couldn't load pickup availability
A Witness to a Pivotal Moment in American History
This antique vesta case — also known as a match safe — is a souvenir from the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, the World's Fair held in Buffalo, New York from May through November 1901. The fair is remembered for two things that shaped the twentieth century: the first large-scale public demonstration of alternating-current electric lighting powered by Niagara Falls, and the assassination of President William McKinley at the Temple of Music on September 6, 1901.
The repoussé brass design tells the story of the fair in a single image. A powerful American bison — emblem of the host city of Buffalo and the unofficial mascot of the Exposition — stands in the foreground, rendered with remarkable detail in its shaggy mane, lifted hoof, and watchful gaze. Behind the buffalo, Niagara Falls cascades between cliffs, with what appears to be a small pavilion at the upper edge. The lower border is engraved "N.Y. 1901" in Gothic lettering.
The case opens on its original hinge to reveal the inner compartment, and the bottom edge retains its original ribbed striker surface — once used to light a wooden match. Match safes like this one were essential gentleman's accessories at the turn of the twentieth century, when matches were carried loose and easily ignited by friction; the closed brass case kept them dry and contained.
This particular souvenir would have been sold in the Manufactures Building or one of the fair's many concessions to visitors who came by the millions to see the Electric Tower, the Temple of Music, and the dazzling nighttime illumination.
— DETAILS —
Era: 1901
Origin: Manufactured for the Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, New York
Material: Brass with original patina
Dimensions: 2.8" L × 1.4" W
Weight: 21.77 g
— CONDITION —
Excellent antique condition for an object 124 years old. The repoussé decoration is crisp and complete, with no dents to the body. Hinge functions properly, lid closes securely, and the original striker on the bottom edge is intact. Surface shows attractive natural patina from over a century of age — please note that this patina is highly valued by collectors and has been deliberately preserved (not polished). Mild surface wear and oxidation consistent with use and age, visible on close inspection in the photos.
A rare survivor from a fair that changed American history.
— SHIPPING —
Ships carefully wrapped via USPS First Class or Priority Mail with full tracking. This small piece travels safely with minimal packaging.
Thank you for visiting SWCurated — a Pacific Northwest shop specializing in European fine ceramics, antique paper art, sterling silver, and the occasional piece of historic Americana sourced from estate sales.
This antique vesta case — also known as a match safe — is a souvenir from the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, the World's Fair held in Buffalo, New York from May through November 1901. The fair is remembered for two things that shaped the twentieth century: the first large-scale public demonstration of alternating-current electric lighting powered by Niagara Falls, and the assassination of President William McKinley at the Temple of Music on September 6, 1901.
The repoussé brass design tells the story of the fair in a single image. A powerful American bison — emblem of the host city of Buffalo and the unofficial mascot of the Exposition — stands in the foreground, rendered with remarkable detail in its shaggy mane, lifted hoof, and watchful gaze. Behind the buffalo, Niagara Falls cascades between cliffs, with what appears to be a small pavilion at the upper edge. The lower border is engraved "N.Y. 1901" in Gothic lettering.
The case opens on its original hinge to reveal the inner compartment, and the bottom edge retains its original ribbed striker surface — once used to light a wooden match. Match safes like this one were essential gentleman's accessories at the turn of the twentieth century, when matches were carried loose and easily ignited by friction; the closed brass case kept them dry and contained.
This particular souvenir would have been sold in the Manufactures Building or one of the fair's many concessions to visitors who came by the millions to see the Electric Tower, the Temple of Music, and the dazzling nighttime illumination.
— DETAILS —
Era: 1901
Origin: Manufactured for the Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, New York
Material: Brass with original patina
Dimensions: 2.8" L × 1.4" W
Weight: 21.77 g
— CONDITION —
Excellent antique condition for an object 124 years old. The repoussé decoration is crisp and complete, with no dents to the body. Hinge functions properly, lid closes securely, and the original striker on the bottom edge is intact. Surface shows attractive natural patina from over a century of age — please note that this patina is highly valued by collectors and has been deliberately preserved (not polished). Mild surface wear and oxidation consistent with use and age, visible on close inspection in the photos.
A rare survivor from a fair that changed American history.
— SHIPPING —
Ships carefully wrapped via USPS First Class or Priority Mail with full tracking. This small piece travels safely with minimal packaging.
Thank you for visiting SWCurated — a Pacific Northwest shop specializing in European fine ceramics, antique paper art, sterling silver, and the occasional piece of historic Americana sourced from estate sales.
Share
