UK Co. Vesta MATCHSAFE Advertising FOX Brand FOX's Serge USA Made for UK Company for NEW ZEALAND agent's use

W. J. Rainger was the Auckland agent

William Joseph Rainger (1868 - 1932) married Ada Amelia Brett (1868 - 1952) in 1897. Their wedding was quite an event and was extensively reported including this report in the 18 September 1897 edition of the Observer. Note the detail around all the women's attire:

St. Peter's Church, Takapuna, was the scene of an extremely pretty wedding on Wednesday afternoon of last week, the bride being Miss Brett, eldest daughter of Mr Henry Brett, and the bridegroom Mr William Rainger, sharebroker, of Auckland.

The nuptials occasioned a good deal of interest amongst a large circle of friends, many of whom assembled in the church to witness the ceremony.

The church was beautifully decorated by the lady friends of the bride

An archway of lilies was erected, from which depended a large wedding bell of white flowers, under which the bride and bridegroom stood during the ceremony

The Rev. H. Davies officiated, the service being choral

The bride was given away by her father, and looked extremely well in an elegant gown of CREME SERGE made with zouave, and full vest of creme silk and chiffon, pretty creme hat trimmed with silk and upstanding flowers, and she carried a beautiful shower bouquet finished with broad satin ribbons, with monogram worked on the ends.

Celluloid wrapped Nickel plated with 4 sides carrying advertisement

CIRCA 1890 -1920

In my MANY YEARS of trading as an Auckland-based antique dealer ?

I have NEVER SEEN another example of this Vesta with an AUCKLAND agent's name ! :-)

"Nothing equals Fox's Serge for wear Sold by all merchant tailors, drapers and storekeepers

"When buying see that you get Fox's Stamped "FOX" every two yards"

Made in The United States of America by The Whitehead and Hoag Company who's extensive HISTORY can be viewed at this URL (below)

http://www.tedhake.com/viewuserdefinedpage.aspx?pn=whco