never seen anything like it

[squidman]

good luck with this1.found this today while hunting a friends house datingback to the late 1790s.at first i thought harmonica until i cleaned it up.it opens up when you push in the hinge and it opens up into a perfect square evenon all sides.it has2 circled loopson each side of the hinge.the front is well designed but the back is plain.i have no idea on this one.thanx4 looking

 

[Blacksheep]

Perhaps a place to stash sewing needles? Dimensions? Interesting find.

 

[squidman]

dimensions 4inches each side when open.the sides are the same metal just not as thick as the front+back they also fold in when closing if that helps.

 

[squidman]

forgot to mention the small holes along the bottom run along all4 sides

 

[Blacksheep]

Might it be possible for you to ad a few more pics, open, side, back, etc. Along with a coin/ruler for reference?

Curious as to the row of holes along the bottom, also, the decoration appears newer, similar to late 1800s furniture appliques.

 

[kyphote]

Interesting, indeed. Can you post more pics, making them half as large, one showing the object open, the other showing it closed, and any other shots showing noteworthy marks?

 

[squidman]

sorry fellas i dont have my camera right now i used the scanner.

 

[BW]

My guess would be eye loops or maybe opera glasses ...but leaning more toward eye loop...
Nice find ...
Bill G.

 

[AKiwi]

Did well for a scanner pic

 

[squidman]

opera glasses makes some sense but why would it open up into a 4by4by4by4 inch box shape

 

[prokosla]

Looks like a purse frame. The holes across the bottom are where the fabric is attached. The two loops on either side of the hinge that you mention is where a chain handle would be attached. Since it is only 4 inches wide, it is probably a coin purse.

 

[squidman]

an old coin purse or even a regular purse does make sense since i found a 1935 quarter and 4wheaties not far from it.thanx4 the id prokosla