found this metal detecting near an early 1800s farmhouse

[Dollybyers]

It looks like it opens, but haven't got it apart yet.

 

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[CTwoods]

is it the size that might be for stick matches?

"match safe"?

 

[Fixitdave]

Reminds me of a lighter what is size and any markings or words

 

[nhbenz]

Size may be important to know, but I suppose a lipstick tube is one of the usual suspects. Often those are marked on the bottom, but I assume this isn't?
-oops we were all typing the same question at the same time

 

[Terry Soloman]

I vote Lipstick case as well

 

[mojjax]

it looks like something lydia pinkhamn would put stuff in

 

[mojjax]

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[digger460]

Whatever it is, love the mystery part of it. Keep us informed

 

[CTwoods]

Open it up dagnabbit...!

Try rolling it between two boards with more pressure at the cover end. The rolling should cause flexing to loosen the corrosion in the cap.

 

[ARC]

My guess... Tube lighter... Similar... but not limited to...

This...

 

[Dollybyers]

OK, I got it open... nothing.

Here is some more context. It is about two inches long and 1/2 wide and is made of copper.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Wasn't there snake bite kits in tubes like that?

 

[old digger]

As previously suggested (nhbenz and Terry Soloman), your item is a lipstick case. I have found several.