Edwardian Silver National Rifle Association Vesta Case
Elkington & Co Ltd, London 1903
Photo 1 of 10
A rare Edwardian silver Vesta Case of circular form with hinged lid, the face embossed with the badge of The National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom, depicting a bowman and a rifleman standing next to each other above the motto 'Sit Perpetuum' (may it last forever).
By Elkington & Co Ltd, London, 1903
Sold - £295.00
Condition
Some minor knocks and scratches, wear to the high points and lacking internal metal spring.
Dimensions
H
12 mm
(0.47 inches)
DIA
49 mm
(1.93 inches)
Weight
28.00 Grams
(0.90 troy ounces)
Country
England
Stock Code
VG2N1
Medium
Silver
Literature
The National Rifle Association was founded in 1859, based on Putney Heath & Wimbledon Common, 12 years before its better known American cousin. In 1878 Edward Walford wrote ""These annual gatherings are attended by the élite of fashion, and always include a large number of ladies, who generally evince the greatest interest in the target practice of the various competitors, whether it be for the honour of carrying off the Elcho Shield, the Queen's or the Prince of Wales's Prize, or the shield shot for by our great Public Schools, or the Annual Rifle Match between the Houses of Lords and Commons."
The association has recently added the suffix ""of the United Kingdom"" to its website tagline. Its founding aim was to raise the funds for an annual national rifle meeting (now known as the Imperial Meeting) ""for the promotion of marksmanship in the interests of Defence of the Realm and permanence of the Volunteer Forces, Navy, Military and Air"".
In 1890, Queen Victoria granted the NRA a Royal Charter of Incorporation.
