Ornate Vintage Metal Box With Wood Liner And Lid

Antiques : Accessories

 

This appears to be from the early 1900's, but it has no marks, and having never seen anything like it, I'm not sure. It was purchased from the estate of a retired antiques dealer, and the tag identified it as an "antique humidor". Since it's not air tight, and there is no moisture stone, I don't think so. Perhaps an old, decorative cigarette box. Whatever it is, it's a fabulous piece! It's made of heavy, silver tone metal that looks like pewter. It has hand stamped designs all the way around, and on the perfectly fitting lid. To me, the mystery lies in the fact that there is no bottom when you take out the wood insert. It was obviously made for a specific use, but I'm clueless! This gorgeous, footed box measures 6 inches square, by about 4 inches tall. Excellent condition. It weighs 2 pounds, before packing. A wonderful decorator piece.

Item ID: 2190