Found this along an 1860s gold rush route

[bcboy]

Hi everyone, I was detecting an area a few days ago that was a gold rush route around the 1860s and my second find is this "what is it find?" relic. I believe its made of brass, it has two boat carvings on it and the top of it is threaded. It is pretty heavy for its size. I have no idea what it is or how old it is. The chinese were in this area in the 1860s so im guessing its chinese oriented because one of the boats carved into it has on its sail a chinese/japanese logo. I think theres something inside as its pretty heavy but theres no movement of anything inside when i shake it and i do not want to try and force it open incase i damage it. My guesss is it might be some kind of gun powder holder and the powder inside has hardened being in there for so many years? Just my guess. If anyone knows what this is i would appreciate your help. Thank you.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[d2]

Did we ever get it opened? An inquiring mind would like to know...d2

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[d2]

If you haven't got it opened, send it to me and I will see what I can do with it. Wondering what is in it has cost me sleep at night...d2

 

[Breezie]

Judging by the material, engraving, size, shape, and description, I think you have found a very nice 19th century opium box. Opium boxes were made out of all different types of materials like brass, bronze, silver, copper, ivory, and even porcelain. Many were elaborately decorated and often told a poem or a story.

Your artist/engraver has a 'mixed' theme in that there is a Japanese Rising Sun beside a Christian 3 Crosses, although there are over 50 countries with crosses on their country flag. The Rising Sun is most associated with Japan, but has also been used by Korea and China.

I might also add, the same type of boxes were also used for spices, tobacco, and the smaller ones for snuff.

Super find
Breezie