{"product_id":"antique-victorian-brass-bear-match-holder","title":"Antique Victorian Brass Bear Match Holder","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA small brass bear sits upright on an oval base, muzzled and collared the way performing bears were often shown. His head hinges open and the body holds loose matches, with a gritty striker set into the base around his feet. I like the textured fur across the whole body and the rope-twist edge to the base. He'd sit well on a desk or mantel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Dimensions | 1.75 in. W x 3 in. H x 2.5 in. D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Interior Depth | 1.75 in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Surface | Unpolished brass with age patina, darker in the recesses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Primary Material | Brass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Period | Antique\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Date | Circa 1880\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Origin | Likely English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Style or Movement | Victorian figural novelty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Also Known As | vesta stand, vesta holder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Maker, Mark, or Attribution | None identified. No marks observed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Construction or Technique | Cast brass with textured fur and a rope-twist border to the base, hinged head\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Secondary Material | Composition striking surface to the base, green velvet to the underside, inset eyes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[d]Hardware or Mounts | Barrel hinge to the head\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e[condition]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAntique condition consistent with age. The brass has not been polished, and the surface is as found, with natural patina and darker oxidation in the recesses of the fur, the collar, and the rope-twist border. The inside of the match well and the underside of the lid show dark oxidation and residue. The head opens on its hinge. The striking surface in the base is intact and gritty, with some darkening from age. The green velvet to the underside is worn and matted with age. The textured fur is part of the casting. There are no dents or losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePlease review all photographs closely, as they form part of this description.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Austyn Marie Design","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67636978876694,"sku":"ENM-2102","price":240.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0896\/4623\/5926\/files\/October2026-15255.jpg?v=1794095733","url":"https:\/\/austyn-marie-design.myshopify.com\/products\/antique-victorian-brass-bear-match-holder","provider":"Austyn Marie Design","version":"1.0","type":"link"}