What is this thing???

[mope540]

Bought this brass piece from a yard sale years ago, and i would like to know what it is. It is marked "APOLLO A 1948". Is that a part# for that piece, or the production date
The lid is 3" wide, the height is 5 1/4" at the handle.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[relic lover]

It is a can

 

[Boomdeyada]

Maybe a portable spitoon!

 

[daroofa]

Ice bucket.

 

[littleneckhalfshell]

found this, which may or may not shed light on the item: Antiques and the Arts Forum
http://antiquesandthearts.com/forumresponse.asp?var=851&var2=15

""Apollo Studios of New York was a division of Bernard Rice's & Sons and items marked with the Apollo stamp were made from 1920 to 1922. These pieces are usually marked only with Apollo, sometimes with Apollo Studios NY or Apollo Ovington and followed by some mold or style numbers. In 1872, the Apollo Silver Company merged with the bankrupt Redfield & Rice Co, forming Bernard Rice's Sons. They continued in business under this name until going out of business in 1958. Apollo Studios was a contemporary of Tiffany Studios and produced some of the similar type items, like desk sets, humidors and other fine pieces of brass, copper and gilded brass. Apollo Studios was mentioned in advertisements to be manufacturers of hollow ware, boudoir accessories and gift items in silver plate, chrome, goldplate and other metals. These wares were typically silver plated over copper, although not always. EPNS is electroplated nickel silver, nickel silver does not have silver in it, EPC is electroplated copper. ""

 

[watercolor]

With the info "littleneckhalfshell" provided, I'll go with tobacco humidor

 

[mope540]

With the info "littleneckhalfshell" provided, I'll go with tobacco humidor

that makes good sense...that would be perfect for pipe tobacco.

Thanks for the link, littleneckhalfshell. and thanks to all for the help!!!