Of oblong shape with rouned corners, the spring-hinged lid opening to allow the front to drop down and reveal a matted gilt interior with two compartments for sovereigns. The front enamelled with the badge of the Royal Flying Corps, the back engraved with the initials "W.H.D.A, 28th April, 1916 C.S". The back spine with suspension ring and the base of the back inscribed "Percy Edwards Ltd. 71 & 72 Piccadilly W."
The initials are for Sir William Henry Dyke Acland, 3rd Baronet who was born on 18th May 1888 and died 4th December, 1970. He was the eldest son of Sir William Acland, 2nd Baronet and his wife The Hon. Emily Anna Smith. The Royal Flying Corps were founded in 1912 and was in existence till 1918 when it became the Royal Air Force. It would appear that the case was at least 5 years old when it was presented as a wedding present by C.S to Sir William Henry Dyke Acland on his marriage to Margaret Emily Barclay on 26th April 1916. Acland acceded to the title of 3rd Baronet on the death of his father on 26th November 1924.
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Vesta cases are widely collected as are sovereign cases but when the two come together and have a history connected to the Royal Flying Corps a rather desirable and unusal object emerges. Acland had a distinguished military career having joined the Royal Artillery and fought in the First World War where he was wounded and mentioned in Despatches. He subsequently joined the Royal Flying Corps and was awarded the Militaary Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Territorial Decoration. He also acted as Deputy Lieutenant, Justice of the Peace, High Sherriff (1951) and County Alderman for Hertfordshire.