Carved wood head that flips open

[Busgirl]

This measures 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches. It's carved--no paint at all. It is hinged with one single hinge. The head flips open and there is spike that appears to be able to pierce thru something...? What is it?

 

[pong12211]

Creepy.. Looks like something that was used for a punch.. Maybe leather.. Just a thought..

 

[Paleopilot]

Very cool! Some type of dispenser?

 

[Indian Steve]

Hi, could it be an inkwell? The spike looks like an alignment pin to keep everything in place when closed. steve

 

[arnofarrell]

I was going to say it looks like an ash try. My friend has a resin skull that opens like that and it is an ash tray. Just an idea.

 

[Paleopilot]

I was going to say it looks like an ash try. My friend has a resin skull that opens like that and it is an ash tray. Just an idea.

If it is an ashtray, what would the "spike" function be? It is there for some reason....

 

[CoilyGirl]

Oooh spook-ehhhhh!Welcome to TN.

 

[Bramblefind]

Cool find! It looks like possibly the design of a humidor / tobacco jar? Here are some examples of others-

Wooden Pug's Head Tobacco Jar at 1stdibs

Very Large Black Forest Carved Wise Long Eared Owl Glass Eyes Humidor from heidelberg-antiques on Ruby Lane

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood: Martin McIlroy - Blog

 

[Reed Lukens]

The only reason that i don't think it's a humidor is because of the hole size. It's a holder of some type & the tooth is for alignment. Other than that as far as an ink well, you would be able to tell from the black stain inside but I'm thinking simple for a mans desk. A special pen holder or maybe cigarets. Anyway I would use it for that special pen myself & pardon my spelling of cigaret, the spell checker keeps telling me that I'm miss spelling Margaret... plus I don't smoke

 

[HutSiteDigger]

Looks to be from the 1960s + looking from the hinges unless the hinges were replaced @ some point then it could be early 1900s. Too bad those hinges weren't made with gold

 

[Indian Steve]

If it was an inkwell it could have had a glass or ceramic insert to hold the ink.

 

[capt-zero]

I agree with inkwell. However, that is a modern hinge in it with slotted screws, available in supply stores today. Interesting.