A rare Victorian sterling silver novelty vesta case, Birmingham 1888 by Colen Hewer Cheshire Formed as the head of Mr Ally Sloper, the upper section of top hart hinged to reveal vesta section with stoker to top of hat. Fully marked to base bezel and part-marked to lid. Height – 6.1 cm / 2.4 inches Weight – 20 grams / 0.64 ozt Created by Charles H. Ross, illustrated by Émilie de Tessier for Judy, a British Magazine, he premiered on the 14rh August 1867, as a lackadaisical, creditor avoiding man found ‘sloping’ through alley ways. The character gained his own comic in 1884 as Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday.