Super Gilt Brass Knight Tomb Match Holder, Go-to-bed

Here is a rather rare antique 19th century medieval gothic style gilt brass vesta or match holder and go-to-bed in the form of a knight's tomb or sepulchre. A lit match can be placed in a recess on either side of the pillow in the top to provide light for a short time to light candles etc. The lid lifts off to provide a place to store the matches, or of course, the piece could be used as a trinket or stamp box etc. This one is lined in the base with red velvet cloth. It is very detailed, showing the recumbent knight with his shield which has a lion motif. His hands are together in prayer and he has a dragon at his feet. It is exactly like the wonderful tomb chests seen in most medieval cathedrals or abbeys. The lid fits well and the brass box has an ebonised wooden base. There is an inscription in gothic lettering around the side of the lid which reads "The Knights are Dust and Their Good Swords are Rust, Their Souls are with the Saints We Trust". This is a quote from the Coleridge poem "The Knight's Tomb" and was also quoted in Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. So this may actually be an early, rather than later, Victorian piece. The item has a lovely patina and feel to it and measures 4.25 inches (10.4 cm) long, 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) wide and about 3.25 inches (8.3 cm) high. It is in very good condition overall, with only minor age wear. It is a super statement piece, ideal for anyone interested in gothic revival pieces, or a collector of vestas or go-to-beds.