Rectangular Vesta matchbox, 1897.

Rectangular Vesta matchbox, 1897.

Samples of plastic items produced since the mid 19th century.

Eastern Telegraph Company ashtray and matchbox holder, c 1920.

Rectangular protractor, late 18th century.

Hertz's oscillator with rectangular plates

Soho & Vesta Glas Works, Birmingham, 1855.

Fusees, c 1865.

Fusees, c 1865.

Synthetic and semi-synthetic objects, c 1860-1920.

Mosaic, c 1st century AD.

Wooden counting board, European, 1701-1800.