Can you identify this object? - because I sure can't!!!!!!

[Marzipan]

Hi all,

I'm going out of my mind trying to find out what this thing is, nobody seems to know anything about it! 
I hope someone can help!


It's 4cm wide
3.5cm high
2.5cm deep
It's made of chain mesh
It has solid sides with ferns and flowers
it's quite heavy
Unknown age
Unknown metals.... (possibly brass safety chain)
the pocket clip is very shiny but i don't think it's silver
the main chain is brassy, but less brassy than the safety chain.
i think there are 5 different metals used

The safety chain has an unusual pin with a loop in the centre to keep the chain centralized and neat while wearing it.

The clasp on the front opens forward and the bag opens.

I can't find any hallmark or makers marks anywhere on it.

It seems unlikely that it would be used for pills or snuff.
It's open weave mesh, so contaminants and moisture could get in, and powder would fall out, so this leaves me even more confused!
The best idea I've been able to come up with so far, is that it's some sort of "personal pomander" type thing?




Any ideas what it is? 


Thanks in advance!
~Marzipan

[dusha64]

That's really interesting. If I may ask how did you get/find/buy/ it. Are there any marks or company names on it?

[Marzipan]

I've been unable to find any markings on it.

I found it in a second hand shop, they didn't know what it was either. 
I had to buy it, I like things which are small, decorative and interesting.

[Tim]

Possibly part of a ladies chatelaine and used to carry her dance card or calling card....Nice piece
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