Eirene

I have searched in vain for a number of years to find out what this little item is. Thought perhaps someone here may have an idea. It looks to me to be more bronze than brass and measures about 2 1/2 " x 2" x 1 1/4". There is a slash on the lower right corner as though it has been struck with something fairly heavy. The lid, which is hinged, almost looks as though it is lined in copper. The interior of the container itself is corroded. The lower portion has what looks to be a hinge opening, as though it fit into something, outside edges are solid, the three prongs in the center look like they were at one time open but are now filled in. Additional connections on either side, one of the holes has filled in over time.

Any input greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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thatcomedian

Could it be a belt buckle?

Eirene

Thanks for the response.

I don't believe it is a belt buckle. It is a container of sorts. Looks as though it held something. Some have speculated that it belonged to some type of armour, was a container for poison to dip darts into, a container for early bullets or gun powder, even a container that held medication or poison for someone on the battle field.

I have ran the pics through google image search..no joy there either.

Edit: South American or Spanish perhaps?

thatcomedian

Maybe a match stick holder
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...0BCaAWPbJXzRZC

http://yardlover.indigofiles.com/ima...dium/51010.GIF

Eirene

Thought of that possibility. I have one hanging on the wall for the fireplace. This would not sit flush on a flat surface, the holes on the side are in the center, it is also a weird shape [from side view] as it tappers down from the top to bottom. I'm pretty sure it was attached to something at one time given the hinge on the bottom. Perhaps it will remain a mystery.

Thanks for your input.

ARTalker

Hi Eirene,
This is a long-shot.

Chatelaines are usually fairly elegant, but is there any possibility that it might be part of an old, crudely-made chatelaine of some sort?

I'm thinking that the compartment might have held needles, the holes on the side arms could have been for chains (from which would have dangled more goodies), and the hinge at the base could have retained a pin which connected to the other parts of the chatelaine.

Just a thought. Here are some links.

http://larsdatter.com/18c/chatelaines.html

http://www.collectors-exchange-inc.com/cube/index.php?page=0&act=viewCat&catId=15

http://www.collectors-exchange-inc.c...&productId=176

Eirene

Oh wowzers..missed this one..forgot about it. You could be right...very crude one at that...just don't feel it..LOL...too crude..very chunky. As you have pointed out Chatelaines are delicate..elegant. This looks as though it held something corrosive. It is bulky...awkward...heavy bronze. Thanks for the interest.

Just to be clear...lol...the green on the images is not corrosion..just the camera dig pic.

mp.kunst

I just want to show you this:

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/270884070984?...ht_6222wt_1214

Eirene

Thank you mp!! A 19th. century bronze folk art container. Wonder what it contained. The attachments look interesting....could be for packing down some sort of powder into another object. For some unknown reason the harness brings to mind horses.

Thanks again...part of the mystery is solved.

Wishing You All the Best and A Very Merry New Year to All!!!

thatcomedian

Eirene

Thanks Comedian! Do you think they might be poisonous tips for some sort of spear. The first thing I said [jokingly] way back when I first looked at this was that it was a container for poison.

Edit: I just enlarged that photo and noted that the hanging attachments are different than the one mp posted. Ornamental then?