✅ SOLVED Small brass pocket box

[Underwonder]

Hi,
I recently found this at a pond's edge in New England and wondered if it was some type of lighter or related box? The inside is empty. Thanks!

 

[ConceptualizedNetherlandr]

Is it sized to fit 2 A batteries?

 

[Underwonder]

Is it sized to fit 2 A batteries?

They could fit but why a hole in the bottom and a lever on the side I wonder?

 

[UnderMiner]

That's likely a miner's headlamp battery box. A wire would have extended from the box to the lightbulb which could be mounted on a helmet. Similar to this:

 

[Almy]

Must have given a big signal!

 

[searcher]

While you look inside, what does the slide switch do?

12:14-ETA- Looks like an old pocket flashlight.

 

[searcher]

This one is an Eveready, but same idea.
Here

 

[Mackaydon]

And another:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/786369357/antique-vest-pocket-flashlight-circa?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-craft_supplies_and_tools&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQjw267GBhCSARIsAOjVJ4Ep03-rhchT28GIia5lQ5eIp7RjFqIObHLuQpHo6rYsGkk5vZ2D4ZMaAlb5EALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_22607285729_180038460453_754746970290_aud-2093606349572:pla-295462056867_c__786369357_128675756&utm_custom2=22607285729&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22607285729&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKQ1KGK7W_7RaVO8i1W6cvVE&gclid=Cj0KCQjw267GBhCSARIsAOjVJ4Ep03-rhchT28GIia5lQ5eIp7RjFqIObHLuQpHo6rYsGkk5vZ2D4ZMaAlb5EALw_wcB

Don in SoCal

 

[Gare]

Great posting Searcher

 

[Underwonder]

That's likely a miner's headlamp battery box. A wire would have extended from the box to the lightbulb which could be mounted on a helmet. Similar to this:
View attachment 2225670

Thanks!

 

[Underwonder]

While you look inside, what does the slide switch do?

12:14-ETA- Looks like an old pocket flashlight.

It looks like it slides a metal piece closer to the hole (bulb?) for contact! I think you've got it! I had it upside down so that hole would be the place for the bulb and be at the too! Thanks, Searcher! That was fast!

 

[Underwonder]

And another:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/786369357/antique-vest-pocket-flashlight-circa?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-craft_supplies_and_tools&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQjw267GBhCSARIsAOjVJ4Ep03-rhchT28GIia5lQ5eIp7RjFqIObHLuQpHo6rYsGkk5vZ2D4ZMaAlb5EALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_22607285729_180038460453_754746970290_aud-2093606349572:pla-295462056867_c__786369357_128675756&utm_custom2=22607285729&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22607285729&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKQ1KGK7W_7RaVO8i1W6cvVE&gclid=Cj0KCQjw267GBhCSARIsAOjVJ4Ep03-rhchT28GIia5lQ5eIp7RjFqIObHLuQpHo6rYsGkk5vZ2D4ZMaAlb5EALw_wcB

Don in SoCal

Thank you! Seems spot on!