Help identifying trinket box before I paint

Hi there!! So I bought this today at the thrift. It seems like more of a medal or trinket box rather than a jewelry box. I wanted to check in here before I made any changes.
Thank you all in advance!

 

i think u could spruce that up without much concern..... but WDIK ??

 

What type of changes are you contemplating?

Debora

 

That looks like a hunk of Victorian walnut. I'd think twice before messing with it. The wood's too nice.

 

Welcome, Tcareccia. Could we see more of the outside than just the bottom, please?

 

Thank you everyone! Sending more pictures now.

 

I was thinking I would change something...not exactly sure yet. It’s in great shape so
I’m unsure I want to do anything.

 

Here are more photos

 

Don't think your box is as old as it first appears to be at a glance.

Debora

 

Thank you for having a look. I just found it so cool. Just felt like there’s a cool history Attached to it - probably sentimental.

 

I like the wood & wouldn't do anything to change or cover it. Maybe someone will have suggestions for products to really make it gleam.

Is the bottom of the interior padded? What leads you to think it is not a jewellery chest? Maybe for a man.

 

It is padded. Also, in my opinion, the mirror accent resembles a medal itself.

 

I like the wood too - it’s growing on me. I tried to clean it with a bit of Castile soap water and olive oil. On the inside, red stain came off on the rag, so I stopped that.

 

It does. My impression is that the interior features were added by someone clever, not original to box when it was sold. The mirror looks like it could have been wall decor, once upon a time.

 

Me too. I like to think it belonged to a really sweet grandpa who was a war hero and his grandkids made it for him.

 

I would not paint it ...... so nice how it is

 

I feel that way, too. But of course it is up to the owner.