Can you identify this "Thing"?

[CeBe]

Completed - with thanks

[Rena]

It's either a vesta case or a card case.  A vesta case should have a rough bit where you can strike and light the vesta (the early form of a matchstick)

[CeBe]

I think I must agree with OLDTIMER who first suggested it to be a vesta box. I think from the size of it (I put the measurements in the first post) that it is probably too small for any serious smoker to have placed his "smokes" / cigarettes.

My next task is too find out what story it tells from all the symbols it has on it. I tried a "masonic symbols" Google but didn't have much luck there. Any Masons out there who have suggestions?

[alpinecottage]

Have you tried Masonic symbols, then do google images - above where you put in the words you want to google, there is a line that says "web, images, books, more, etc" and you click on the one that says images - I've just tried and there are loads of hits that look quite useful at first sight.

 Apologies if you've tried this already

[CeBe]

Thanks for that. I have tried it and got somewhat confused. I'll try to find a book or something.

[alpinecottage]

Just had a closer look.  I can see exactly what you mean! 

[Plummiegirl]

If you know the name of the person it belonged to & their dates ie DOB & DOB,  the Freemasons will do a free search of their archives for you,  it takes about 2 months.  No dates their can be a charge.
Just google Freemasons & go to their own website.  You can call them & ask advice as well. 
My aunts husband was a Freemason & they are looking into his "time" with them for me.  I must say they were very helpful when I called & after fillling out their form, the return email was also very helpful.  Just waiting for the results of my query now.

[CeBe]

Thank you - I will give that a try as I do know his birth and death dates, etc.

CeBe

[Rena]

I've just had a reply from a freemason of 30+ years standing and here's his reaction after viewing your object:-

<<Looks very interesting but although there are some symbols which could be masonic, most of it means nothing to me. That is not to say that it wouldn't make sense to a higher qualified mason.>>

Good luck,
Rena