Brass case

[Treetotal]

I wonder if it could be a Vinaigrette. I know most have a grill but not all and this could have been custom made as has already been suggested...my other thought was a pillbox.
Carol

[John915]

Good evening,

From the sizes you give I would say tobbacco box is not entirely impossible. It would have held several flakes of pipe baccy or ¹/₂ oz of rolling baccy. ¹/₂  oz of old holborn or golden virginia came in a tin about that size when I was a lad. Although I suspect at that date it was sold loose from a jar.

John915

[youngtug]

It's made of brass, also it is soldered. Not the best material for a vinaigrette, vinegar is not good for it. Also 1865 is a little late for a vinaigrette.

[Treetotal]

Oh  really

[youngtug]

Oh  really

http://www.ascasonline.org/VINAIGRETTE.html

[youngtug]

I also think that my gtgtgrandfather, who was a ag, lab and then a blacksmiths striker would not really have had much of a use for a vinaigrette. Tobacco or snuff I would be the most likely I think. Not sure about a pillbox though.

[Greensleeves]

That's an interesting website, YT, I haven't come across that before.

[millymcb]

Well you learn something every day on rootschat

I have never heard of a vinagrette!

I dont think this is one as it doesn't have the grill and the shape seems wrong for putting a grill in - but very interesting nonetheless

Milly

[Treetotal]

I have seen later ones than the link that YT put up and I have also seen them with the grill missing so just thought it was worth mentioning....but on reflection more likely to be for snuff or tobacco. I've seen one in the shape of an acorn that was carried in a soldier's pocket during WW2...so not just for women.
Carol