Letter holder silver ( plated)

[AgnesC]

Dear All,

Last week I have purchased this interesting object which I believe to be a letter holder.
It is kind of heavy so I imagined it woud be silver or silver plated. I treated the letter holder this way and indeed the item did improve.
What puzzles me most is that it does not have any silver mark and that it has a "coat of arms" which does not tell me a whole lot.
It seems to contain a lion and the top may be a swan or a goose.

Anyone that could shine a light on this ? I purchased this in The Netherlands but as it may come from anywhere in the world it seems I am looking for the needle in the haystack.... I have uploaded the photo as well as the enlarged coat of arms...

I appreciate any time you may take to respond to my question.

Warmest regards,

[KC]

Can you please post a view looking from the top down.  Does the back side look the same?

Any markings at all on the bottom?

[mart]

Give the size as well please !!

[AgnesC]

The size is 11.5 cm high and 22 cm wide.
The bottom, the back and the top view have been uploaded now here as well.
I don't see any marks on it.

Thank you for your response so far.

[mart]

Can`t tell much about the COA is that a swan over a house ??

[KC]

Can you please look around the opening (inside) and tell if there is any wear along the edges as if it had a lid that slid inside it at one point and advise us.

The measurements convert to 8.6" and 4.6" which could be for a standard envelope (8.5").  However, with it having rounded ends, you wouldn't get many envelopes inside of it because it would lose it's width.  Most envelope holders have squared ends OR are at least 9" plus to accommodate envelopes without bowing them.  Not saying this isn't one.  Best guess is that it is.  This could also be called/utilized as a mail holder.

This could also hold fine stationary sheets/cards.  Reminds me of a holder for a gift set that one would give of envelopes/cards (usually monogrammed).

Wish I could make out the design as well.  Beautiful piece to grace any desk or counter top!  

[AgnesC]

Thank you for looking into the matter.
I don't have it in my hands at the moment but from my recollection no sign of any previous lid attachments were visible. I will check again tonight
I will upload the photo of the enlarged bird.
I consider it a swan although I later thought that a goose is also feasible.

[cogar]

It looks like a cormorant to me. 

[AgnesC]

Thank you for your suggestion Cogar !
The way the bird wings are this could very well be the case.