Vesta cases were first created in the early 19th century, following the manufacture of friction 'Lucifer' matches in the 1820s.
This is example is possibly the earliest one manufactured in the English colonies of Australia. It is a strange design, with what appears to be a piece of iron inserted in the back, perhaps as the striker. But it also has a hatching design on one end, which doesn't appear rough enough to strike a match on, but gives it the look of a vesta. Also is quite small for a vesta case. It was manufactured in the 1840s by Joel John Cohen. Cohen was the most prolific producer of silverware after the famous Alexander Dick. Cohen emigrated from Birmingham in 1839 and did much to further the interests of the Jewish community in Sydney. In great condition, there doesn't appear to be any sign of engraving erasure.
It is clearly stamped (very small though!) on the inside of the top and bottom with the pseudo hallmarks of JJ Cohen.
It measures just over 4cm long and 3cm wide.