This is a small metal compartment or holder for something? Has a Trojan? or some type of ancient soldier on the front. Is this what I think it could be? Measures 1.5 x 1.5 inches and is 1/4" thick. TIA!
Hmmmm.....a condom case? I always used my wallet......but if I had something that nice I would have used it LOL! I really don't think it's a condom case, but that's what sprang to mind. It's a neat little box though.
Yes, what I was afraid it was. But it does seem just a *tad* small for one, for a modern one anyway. Should I ask in a different forum? Wasn't sure where to start.
Nope this forum is fine. I think it may be gentleman's snuff box, Seems about right to carry in a vest pocket. somebody will be along soon to figure it out! Might also be a pillbox. for carrying around your Nitroglycerine.
.75" too small in both directions to be "what you feared". With nothing else to go on, I vote gentleman's pill box. I fear it is too recent for a snuff box, though stranger things have happened...................nice little box, though..............
Snuff boxes are still made mostly in Europe,a few examples..... https://sharrowmills.com/category/snuff-boxes
I know that they are still made, but most Americans just use the can it comes in - the lids close more securely and more tightly to preserve the freshness. Something about this box gives me an A,American feeling - I think it is the profile image. It reminds me of Swank or Lord Buxton, etc. Fancy middle class, so to speak.
Variants of this composition are common on men's cameo rings. The $10 word for the overlapping profiles is 'jugate'. Jugate cameos like this one & most of those on rings are not portraits of anyone in particular. Wrong forum, but here comes a rant: Why do people always think a figure in a helmet is a Trojan? That or an anonymous centurion. The Trojans lost that war! Most cameos of identifiable warriors are of the famous Greek heroes. The type for the cameo on the box is the 'Gonzaga' cameo, one of the most famous in the world, & others like it: Box looks right for pills or tic tacs, IMO.
Maybe it had an insert to hold a coin? Lucky coin, coin for a parking meter, phone call? I blame Brad Pitt.
That, um, may, er, depend, ehem, on some PERSONAL factors, if, um, you get what I am, er, saying................ehem, sometimes a smaller container will suit for, um, a smaller, er, product......................
Primly returning to the topic. This is what I meant about men's rings using designs like the one on the box;
My hubby gave me the same rant! Said it was a Greek or Roman. I'm not very versed in ancient warriors.
Thank you Bronwen, I always learn a lot from your posts. Never knew about the term "jugate" though always wondered what those kind of cameos were called. Always a great history lesson from!
