✅ SOLVED What kind of antique silver box is this?

[HenrikV]

I didn't find it myself (i wish), came from a estate sale. I ended up buying due to a number of things i find interesting with it. Given to Edward Hutchins Bellasis at the time Lt. Colonel in the Bombay Army in India, which at the time was under the control of the East Indian Company. He ended up as a major general and his father was John Bellasis, Major General as well. Some interesting history there, and it's well made, hallmarked for sterling silver, likely London 1829 or 1808 and made by a silversmith named Allen Dominy. Another thing i found interesting with it is it's condition, looks like it has spent some time under water? The lock mechanism has rusted away and the compass has lived a hard life. The box also has quite a few dents.

What i'm wondering is, what did it contain or what was it's purpose? It wouldn't be large enough for a snuff box, right? It doesn't have that 'grille' which is found on vinaigrette's either and shows no signs of ever having something like that. Toothpick box? Anyone has a clue as to what this is?

6.1cm By 2.5cm. 1.1cm High, weighs 37 grams. Photos taken in hand to give an impression of the size.

 

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[ARC]

bosun whistle box... IMO

 

[ARC]

Although looks almost too small...
Perhaps a snuff box of some sort ? ? ?

A small sterling silver bosun's whistle... silver as well... with chain would be probable.

 

[HenrikV]

Thank you! Interesting! That thought never crossed my mind! If so, perhaps the whistle in the larger compartment and the chain in smaller one in front.

 

[ARC]

Thank you! Interesting! That thought never crossed my mind! If so, perhaps the whistle in the larger compartment and the chain in smaller one in front.

This is my thinking.

 

[HenrikV]

Thank you! That could very well be, considering the military connection as well as the connection to the East Indian Company.

 

[ARC]

BTW... I must say...
Regardless what this turns out to be...

This is one killer piece. Super cool.

 

[nsdq]

mathmatical tools /drafting tool for engineering , compass and ruler is my thoughts

 

[Icewing]

It's a snuffbox, no doubt.
Recordanza = Remembrance

 

[nsdq]

Something like this when new it would have looked on the inside

 

[HenrikV]

Thank you gentlemen! And i'm glad you like it, it's a neat little piece and i couldn't resist buying it!

I thought about snuff box, and i have seen some Georgian/Victorian snuff boxes around the same size, but not with the front compartment. If so, perhaps for the spoon? Though, i kinda still believed this would be slightly to small for a snuff box at only 1,1 cm high. Interesting theory on the engineering tools!

Attached a photo of it next to a snuff box, likely no point in comparing them as they are totally different, but it's the only other 'snuff' box i own. Way older though, it was owned Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and dates from the mid 17th century, 1650s, likely painted by Samuel Cooper. That one is huge compared, but a different style and period of course.

 

[nsdq]

Now find some Viking history for us to enjoy please .

 

[HenrikV]

Hehehe, a friend owns a couple of nice documented Viking Axes and what's left of a Viking sword found here in Norway as well as some jewelry. I'll ask him if i can post photos of some of the stuff he owns.

 

[Icewing]

Sold - Antique Silver Snuff Boxes - Daniel Bexfield Antiques

http://www.bexfield.co.uk/11/m104.htm

 

[Deftone]

I wandered across this. 18th C Compass Box Carved Faux Ivory Dolland Thermometer Amp Silver Gold Toothpick | eBay

 

[johnnydman66]

i think it held fountain pen

 

[Mackaydon]

Any thought about donating it to the recipient's living next of kin?
Don......

 

[nhbenz]

Good one Deftone! Knowing what the other pieces were makes it easy to find other examples: https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/...0043/lot-077098df-17c3-4157-8590-a5a300f809ac

So I guess they weren't wrong when the one in question sold, just short on details: https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0009/lot-e050cd29-91bf-4040-8b9b-a49800fdba94

 

[Deftone]

Nice! Good one back at ya Ben.

 

[ARC]

Good ID Deftone.

Heres another "compass lid box" for eye movement / candy if interested... considered a snuff in this one though.

https://www.rubylane.com/item/141724-D074/Antique-English-Sterling-Thornhill-Snuff-Box78