Antique Holder of some sort

[sfcoins]

Hi!

I have this holder of some sort? It looks antique.. I have no real idea what its used for?

If anyone knows what it really is or value or where I can get specific information that would be great!

Thanks in advance,
Nicole

[Rauville]

How big is it? Looks like it could be a sewing thimble case.

[sfcoins]

Thank you for responding!
It might be too big for a sewing thimble case?

It is 3.25 inches tall - and 2.25 inches wide

There was like a soot? on the inside when I cleaned it but I cant be sure..

[wendy177]

You have what looks like a  match safe. 

[mart]

Perhaps for snuff !!  Victorian era it was popular for ladies and gentlemen to take snuff !!  It would likely have darkened if not cleaned out inside !! Did it smell like tobacco ??

[wendy177]

Mart the snuff would pass through the filigree it looks to have no liner inside.

[mart]

Looks solid to me with just engraving outside !!  Maybe I had better enlarge it !!

[sfcoins]

It is a filigree with NO lining .. If it was a match case which I think is correct but where would they strike the match?

It definitely seems like something was burnt inside this or like you said a match case...

[mart]

I see what you mean Wendy !!  Maybe it is for matches like you said !!  I would look for a mark on it somewhere !!
Since it has an initial on it could have been part of a set with the striker on another piece,,, maybe a tray ??

[sfcoins]

You are probably right it looks like matches were maybe put in there still smoldering because of the marks inside..

The only markings are K on 1 side and B on the other ...

What era do you think this is from or how can I get any more specific information!

Thanks again everyone for all your help

[Rauville]

What about those fancy containers that you filled with rose petals and placed in a dresser drawer to add a fresh scent to the clothes?

[mart]

It would have been for holding matches before striking not after !!
Thats a possibility Rauville !!

[frogpatch]

That is a cigarette case like the ones used in India. A cigarette is the same size. See here http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-INDIAN-SILVER-CYLINDRICAL-CIGARETTE-CASE-/221046191611

You need to watch more old movies

[mart]

Wouldn`t have thought about that !!  Excellent Frogpatch !!
PS !!  Watched enough old movies in my time !!  Just never saw a round one !!

[frogpatch]

Here is another one from China according to the site. I have seen them in movies like Maltese Falcon or Casablanca. I forget the movie. They would sit on a table and Peter Lorre or Leslie Howard would offer one up. The old long non filters like Chesterfield killed off a whole generation that survived the war.

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/18895/lot/91/