The questioner said:
Small, 2.5 cm, silver case/box. I have had it at least 50 years and I have never known what it is. Possible hematite inlay on the lid and sides that looks worn. Hinge is just a brass loop. Clasp is broken. Small handle on each side. Long story as to how I got this thing.
The photos:
Some of the answers:
- This looks pretty close to the same style and explains what looks like something you’d put a string through, making it wearable… I swear I didn’t just spend 30 minutes obsessed with looking, haha
- Snuff or chaw tobacco case?
- Looks like a Rouge pot.
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Is it deep enough for a pocket watch mechanicals inside? Is it possible that it is 2.5 inches across?
- Pill box. Maybe rouge but they weren’t usually this nice except commercial ones where you could buy little refills.
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It looks like a vintage Indian inlay trinket box. Sort of like this but yours is monochromatic and hinged.
- It does look like it could have been worn on a wrist. The opposing loops could be for a strap or ribbon. Maybe it held mints or medicine?
- My title describes the thing. I have done an image search but I could not find anything exactly like this thing. I was working at a car dealer 50 years ago and someone found this in the trunk of a new car under the carpet. It was totally black so I cleaned it up. I was told once it may have been part of a belt but I do not know what country it could be from.
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A makeup compact perhaps? For face powder?
- Wrist-worn box for solid finger tack/rosin, for someone who turns a lot of pages/counts money? My SWAG, anyway.
