Featured Another whatsit. Part of a vintage lighter?

I've tried so many search terms and get zip. It was in my mother's old sewing machine drawer as long as I can remember.

 

Was your mother in the Secret Service?

 

It appears to be missing a few bits, and you don't indicate size. But it might be part of a Victorian/Edwardian "propelling" pencil such as this -


https://www.steppeshillfarmantiques...old-and-enamel-magic-propelling-pencil/401901

https://fs.wp.odu.edu/dwittkow/victorian-propelling-pencils/

 

That was my first thought, also. Some sort of writing or marking instrument. If it was in a sewing kit, maybe a fancy chalk for marking material?

 

I'm like, 95% certain it's the handle off of a pair of lorgnette-style opera glasses.

 

maybe opera glass handle...?

 

I would be extremely surprised if this wasn't the answer.

 

That was my first thought too.

 

Awesome. My mother did keep some thread and sewing stuff, but you have no idea the random things she put in drawers and jewelry boxes. It must run in the family because when I cleared out my late cousin's house she had bullets from different caliber guns in her jewelry boxes!

 

I like your late cousin !!
I have a 22 in an old cigarette paper box..
a 38 special , in a shot glass with other strange items..
and a 45 auto case , in a box with assorted small desk items....

birds of a feather !!!