Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

French Antique Guessing Game

antique silver curiosity

It is always a kick when I find something at the brocante that I haven't a clue as to what it is. Yesterday I gotta kick. The brocante dealer told me what he thought it was… I was doubtful, turning the small object over, raising my eyebrows when he told me what he thought it was. Just as I was about to say, -Nah, that isn't right!- another dealer chimed in with his opinion which corresponding with what the first dealer said.

antique silver curiosity

The nineteen century, silver object of curiosity is one inch and a half inch high, by an inch wide. It has a small opening, on top. It does not open up. It has an unusual side (as shown in the photo) and has a decorative motif on both sides. It has a loop on one side. The opening is not wide, and inside it is straight and narrow. There isn't a lid.

antique silver curiosity

Then a third person came by, he disagreed with the dealers' description. At that point I asked how much and bought the odd curious thing. The dealer asked me what I was going to do with it… How does one say, "Blogging Guessing Game in French?"

antique silver curiosity

The Guessing Game:

-Put you answer in the comment section. (If you do not know how to leave a comment you can send me an email, and I will add your comment.) The first person to answer correctly will win the silver antique curious thing.

-An antique medal will go to the winner of a creative response that suits my fancy.

-A third antique medal will go to the person who can find another the curious thing (like the one above) on the internet, you need to add the link to the comment section.

antique silver curiosity

What was this antique silver curiosity used for?

You can guess more than once. The winners will be announced tomorrow around ten in the morning.

Happy guessing, and creative responses too.

Comments

115 responses to “French Antique Guessing Game”

  1. Mim

    a charm to wear on a necklace, in which to place a stem of flowers…..

    Reply
  2. Marcie

    Whatever it is, it is very kewl. I will guess the link had a chain that had a cork or closure for the round opening. I will guess it is for snuff, or drugs, smelling salts even.
    Great Find Corey!
    Blessings in your week!
    Marcie

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth

    At first I thought it was a mini flask, but when I saw the groove on the side I figured that was to hold something, like possibly a feather, and the little thing holds ink! YES?

    Reply
  4. Laura

    first guess….a match safe?
    Now…I will try to hunt the internet!
    🙂

    Reply
  5. Paulita

    It obviously belonged to a fairy godmother. The little stars she throws in the air go in the flask and her wand can slip into the groove along the side when she isn’t using it. I hope everyone gets their wish today!

    Reply
  6. Alexis

    HoW curious! Perhaps it once had a chain a cork stopper, to keep a few drops of perfume, and the groove is to attach it to the edge of something, like a bag handle?

    Reply
  7. Karinka Calhoun

    Good morning Corey, I’m going to guess a small container (which must have had at one time a stopper), for the ceremony to carry the water in with which a priest christens a baby and then afterward the mother has it for a perpetual keepsake in which she can keep a lock of her childs hair. Whatever it was, I would love to wear it around my neck on a chain as a fabulous conversation starter! Happy Monday, Karinka

    Reply
  8. Jackie

    I think it part of a chatalaine (a set of charm like objects consisting of useful things-usually made of silver-like a small pencil,scissors, thimble, watch, key,a vinaigrette. Women wore then around their waist. It was usually the head of household who wore them. That said, I think it is a vinaigrette-a small container (usually metal or glass) with a perforated top that contained smelling salts, vinegar or perfume. The woman would use it to counteract the stinky smells in Victorian streets. I think the tiny top is missing or maybe it was a cork. The side thing maybe held something (like cotton) that could be drenched with perfume then the women would hold it under her nose.

    Reply
  9. Marcie

    I think it must be part of a chatelaine, maby a match holder, striking the match on the side in the groove.

    Reply
  10. Merisi

    It was filled with sewing needles.

    Reply
  11. Weaverbec

    I am guessing it held snuff or maybe even cocaine. I suppose the person could carry it on a chain, and when they wanted a whiff, they just held it to their nose?
    Happy Monday!

    Reply
  12. Eileen @ Passions to Pastry

    Do you blow in it to make a sound? Like a whistle? To call your dog? That’s the best I can do…

    Reply
  13. Christine Wittmann

    I think it might have held perfume or precious oils, then again…matches? That groove on the side sure looks like a place to strike them, but I’m not sure they had matches in the days when this piece would’ve been worn. Oh well….how about a tiny container for that strong afternoon tipple??

    Reply
  14. Massilianana

    Easy-peasy , this is a XIXth century COMPAGNON DE PROMENADE. It was used by elegant ladies who were going on a hike in the country.
    The unusual side actually perfectly fits the top and finer part of the already fine and elegant ladies walking stick ( usually, if you are a lucky , you can find both items in the brocantes).
    The purpose of the hole is the fill the silvery thingy with water(usually from any spring encountered) and when the ladies would pick some of those light, fine , lovely wild flowers that you find in the country, they would stick the flowers in so they would keep fresh until the ladies’ return home.
    As for the little loop, the ladies would use it to tie their hats’ribbons : they would put the stick into the ground , firmly , then hang the hat to the loop and off they’d go to bathe their feet in a tiny fresh stream , and then they would have picnic in the shade….
    Hee hee hee…….

    Reply
  15. gail

    chatelaine ink well, with slot for a pen on the side? chatelaine tobacco container, with a cigarette holder on the side (very Marlena Deitrich!)

    Reply
  16. Sheala

    Flower loving ladies wore this around the neck, hanging by a chain. They filled it with a bit if water, and put small flowers inside!!!!! Wah lah!! A tiny portable flower vase.
    Or it contained smelling salts back in the days if corsetts. When a woman felt herself passing out, she inhaled and prevented herself from hitting the floor 🙂

    Reply
  17. jeannine

    My guess is a very small vessel to transport one’s own personal wee genie to the brocante…give a light tap to the vessel and the genie appears to grant your brocante wishes!!
    No matter its true purpose, the vessel is exquisite 🙂

    Reply
  18. Susan

    Dear Corey,
    I think that this item is an antique lavender stem cigarette roller. You lay the paper in the little trough on the side, fill it with fragrant lavender stems, and roll. Then slip the tiny lavender cigarettes into the hole at one end. The case will carry approximately ten one inch lavender cigarettes. Just tap the side with the hole in the palm of your hand and out slides one of the fragrant lavender cigarettes. Lit by the fashionably elegant nineteenth century ladies for a multitude of purposes – freshen breath, clear nasal passages, and so on.

    Reply
  19. Julie Loeschke

    Is it a calling card holder and the hole once held a pen or pencil for leaving a personal message?

    Reply
  20. Julie Loeschke

    No,no. A portable ink well.

    Reply
  21. Lorelei

    An antique needle and thread holder to wear around one’s neck?
    Thanks for the game… :0)
    Lorelei…..

    Reply
  22. susan

    snuff bottle – the nitch on the side would be for a dipper for the snuff

    Reply
  23. Katy S

    I think this lovely little vessel was designed to hold a dying persons last breath. The groove in the side at one time held the stopper to keep that precious breath from escaping after being captured. The link was so that the dying one’s lover might carry his/her last breath close to their heart until they were rejoined in paradise….

    Reply
  24. Julienne

    It’s delightful but I have just spent three hours looking through all my reference books and on the internet because I know exactly what it is, have had and sold a similar one and do you think I can remember!!!!!!! This business of old age can be very, very boring!!!!!

    Reply
  25. Kristi Jalics

    I can only think of a holder for ink and a small pen on the side, or a holder for flowers which could attach to something by means of the groove on the side, but neither feel very plausible……..

    Reply
  26. Denise Moulun-Pasek

    A very small hip flask for a chatalaine… why not?

    Reply
  27. Beachy

    This delicate item was worn on a lady’s chatelaine (thus the loop). It was a very early example of a “hotel door opener” card (like the plastic ID cards given to hotel patrons for their rooms). But this one is extra special… this is a secret and noble one, made only for the rich. A man has this specially made for his mistress; it is fashioned to fit her lover’s door… the tiny hole on top was to store her perfume. She would sneak to her lover’s door late at night, knock gently without saying a word… her lover would walk over to his side of the door… she would place a drop of her perfume into the door’s keyhole and he would then take a sniff… by the scent he knew it was his mistress… she would then slide her silver door opener across the door jam and voila! Romance ensued!

    Reply
  28. Tan

    I think it held smelling salts so that when a lady felt faint she could wave it under her nose.
    Tan

    Reply
  29. Jeanette Mc. from Everton Terrace

    I’m afraid I have no idea but I do love all the guesses. Especially the “last breath”, creative!

    Reply
  30. Nancy

    an opium holder

    Reply
  31. Nancy from Mass

    I’m guessing a cigarette holder and a place to crush it out (that is what that little hole is on the side). Curious….

    Reply
  32. Paula S In New Mexico

    It holds matches, and the groove on the side is where you strike the match ????

    Reply
  33. Susan Pipich

    I believe it is an antique/vintage snuff bottle that was typically worn around the neck.
    Yours is beautiful!
    I found some others here:
    http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/northern-european-burl-silver-snuff-flask
    Susan in Texas

    Reply
  34. Lorelei Lane

    This precious beauty was an item from madam’s chatelaine. It held vinegar to be used instead of smelling salts, and the side held the feather/quill to dip into the vinegar and wave under one’s nose. Or perhaps it is a needle/pin holder to match madam’s thimble and scissors. She would wrap thread around the notched side.

    Reply
  35. Conny

    I think this beautiful item was used as a necklace and it held the tears of the woman who wore it. Tears for a lost lover or husband or child that had died. She could look into the side and then remember her lost loved one.
    Thank you for your sharing your brochante finds and your adventures. I enjoy your posts.

    Reply
  36. Brenda L from TN

    Looks like a match safe to me…the groove on the side to strike the match…my grandfather had one and I have it now and they look very simular.

    Reply
  37. Carol

    I have no idea but will say it was a little carryalong, usually worn on a chain, maybe on a watch chain that held tooth picks Although thinking about it without a little stopper they would all fall out and they would be a pain to get in, in the first place!

    Reply
  38. Mo’a

    It is a beautiful item. Probably part of a Chatelaine…a perfume vinaigrette. The little slot in the side is for a small mechanical pencil…for convenience and to jot down the name of the offenders of the odor that forces one to use the perfume vinaigrette.
    As a matter of fact I think I have the exact pencil that was part of this vinaigrette. Thank you for finding it’s companion. It will be a happy day when they are reunited.
    Massilianana…what a beautiful name…has my favorite story so far…too bad it is completely made up.
    Beachi…wow another amazing name…has my second favorite story…she was also wrong…How do I know this because I am right 😉

    Reply
  39. Mari

    First of all, love your blog (and you’re such a lucky gal for living over there, I so miss Europe).
    Any hoo, if Im not wrong, but the bottle is what ladies had attached to a small spoon like object (it kind of slid to that one side) that was hanging from their neck by a chain or ribbion, and the bottle was attached to it and it had “snuff” in it or salt for sticking under someonce nose to wake them up after they have passed out. And or it was sniff that women (and men) took to perk them selvs up (like todays cocaine)… I could be wrong, but what ever it is, its very cute.
    Mari

    Reply
  40. Tracy

    I think it is a lighter and a cigarette holder. It clips on a chain so you can keep in your pocket.

    Reply
  41. shannon in oregon

    it used to have a cork stopper that you could remove if you got a case of the vapors…smelling salts were inside (or something stronger smelling) to wake the damsel in distress.

    Reply
  42. Ed in Willows

    It’s a Re-usable match or lighter. A metal stem with a wick would be in the hole. A flammable liquid would be kept inside and the wick would be kept wet. On the side, there is usually a flint in the grove. You would pull out the stem and strike it down the flint causing a spark. The spark would ignite the wick. After using the flame, you would blow it out and stick the stem back into the hole so the wick would soak up more liquid. I used to have a modern version of this when I was in Boy Scouts.

    Reply
  43. cynthia Wolff @Beatenheart

    This little vessel contained a tiny time machine so that one could make a guess at right answers and be the first to do so…in order for that to occur one must be transported back about 12 hours or so in order to be in the right time zone and therefore be the winner of the coveted prize.

    Reply
  44. Dawn

    Corey- I believe the tooth fairy wore this little vessel on her sash. She would gather the children’s little teeth and place them is this vessel.

    Reply
  45. Patt

    This beautiful little object belonged to the tooth fairy. The little opening was to put the wee little baby teeth in for safe carrying back to heaven. The cork is missing of course. The grove on the side held a little rolled up piece of paper with the names of all of the children who she needed to visit during the night. like a scroll. The toothcase is silver so with the moon’s reflection she could find her way in the dark of the night.

    Reply
  46. Deanna

    a tear catcher to keep the powdered faces of the French beauties from smudging.

    Reply
  47. Julia

    I think it is a vessel to hold wine for a private communion. Very pretty.
    Thanks, Julia

    Reply
  48. Marilyn

    A dream catcher. When you need a dream or a positive wish you can shake it out of the small hole. It is worn around the neck for easy accessibility. For you know dreams must be close at hand in order for them to come true.

    Reply
  49. christina y. ginsberg

    A 19th century tic-tac dispenser….
    Could it be a portable ink well, the pen with its gold nib clipped into the side.

    Reply
  50. Penny

    This is I believe a vesta – a container for holding matches.
    A link edwardianpromenade.com/antiques/vesta-cases/
    My made up attempt would put it at a 1753 lady’s vessel, grasped in a silver chain, and it held a concoction of spice from which to take a sniff every few steps when walking down the narrow streets and passageways as an aromatic relief to stench of the trash and animal droppings strewn across the way.

    Reply
  51. Julie

    Good Morning, my guess it holds ones dance cards, the will attach to your gloves so your hands are free to love the one your with. Julie

    Reply
  52. Natalie Thiele

    Darn it! It’s hard to get up earlier than those farm boys. Ed is right, it is a match safe and I would have loved to have it. Oh well. If only I hadn’t taken a sleeping pill last night…

    Reply
  53. Sharon

    maybe a tooth pick holder???

    Reply
  54. JILLIAN

    THIS IS A CONTAINER FOR HOLDING POISON.
    ONE WOULD WEAR IT AROUND THEIR NECK AND SLIP A DROP OF POISON INTO SOMEONES DRINK.

    Reply
  55. Neinah Avelin

    I think its a 19th century cocaine stasher! You see where there’s a little groove to the side? That would be where a small matching silver straw would be located, and so the chic ladies or gents (probably from Paris) could discreetly take a little snootful without too much drama and attention…

    Reply
  56. Brother Mathew

    A tiny flower vase. Put a little water in it, stick a daisy in it.

    Reply
  57. Audrey

    Some Victorian carried his/her cocaine in it… swinging from a silver chain. The slot on the side held the device used for snorting (?) said cocaine. Is that what they do? Snort??

    Reply
  58. Sally

    I’m hoping I can car pool with Cynthia on the Time Machine to the next Corey Romper Stomper Stumper! I’ll pay the time travel toll fee. 😉
    Well I was going to say a travel inkwell too but Ed’s answer seems the much more likely.
    Thanks for the fun Corey. Happy Monday!

    Reply
  59. Sally

    I think this little container is a matchbox. You would tip a match out of the small neck and use the groove/channel along the side as a striker, the channel ‘wall’s’ contained the striking action.

    Reply
  60. Ana María

    Oh! Today of all days I’ve been in meetings all morning! – Darn it! I knew the answer to this one!
    It is a match case or Vesta case (named after the goddess of the hearth). Mostly carried by men (That’s how I know – my grandfather had one to light his cigars). The matches were kept in the small container and one would strike them against the side. The lady of the house also kept one to light the hearth.
    Love these games Corey!

    Reply
  61. Judi

    How curious! It “looks” like a vesta, except that it would open and the groove in the side would be ridged to strike a match. This one looks like it held something. Now, the only thing I can think of would be a pencil or pen. But that would mean it held ink for the pen and how dangerous to your clothing would THAT be?
    My first guess is that it is a vinagrette however you spell it – holding scent and the missing cap would have been attached to a wand so you could dab it on your skin. Maybe the groove held something like a funnel so you could refill it?

    Reply
  62. helene

    This unique and priceless piece was made by the Duc de Reposee for his mistress Madame de Chasse. There were originally two pieces: the one you have and the one belonging to Madame. When the two (Duc and Madame) were together she would connect the two pieces by interlocking the side groove in his with the fixed pin in hers thus it became the symbol their lives ephemeral quality. But alas when they had to part the piece would be slipped apart and each half kept with the forlorn lovers. The hole in each piece contained perfume of the essence of each lover so they could remain in each others essential company.

    Reply
  63. Judi

    My second guess – oh, Corey, could it be? – is a holder for some type of medication….or snuff…or (gasp!) cocaine. I actually have an ivory piece like this but without the grove. The cap has a spoon attached for sniffing! Well, we must remember that CocaCola originally had cocaine in it, so perhaps not so far fetched.

    Reply
  64. Denise Solsrud

    i have not the foggiest idea. all i know is that it is charming and the lucky winner will treasure it. Bestest,Denise

    Reply
  65. Victoria Ramos

    Matches and striker for a chantelaine (or however you would spell it). It hung from their waste and usually had things made of silver for use like pill box, mirror and so one.

    Reply
  66. kelleyn

    My guess is that it is a mini-flask for alchol; however, it could carry holy water.

    Reply
  67. PattyG

    Corey, It is an antique match safe or vesta case. It is beautiful. I gaze longingly at them on Ebay on a regular basis. The one you have is beautifully ornate. I just love frilly things, being one of those girls who looks quite silly wearing anything frilly. I enjoy over the top silverware and linens. You have found a really pretty one, sterling I think? Continued good hunting… Pat

    Reply
  68. Leslie Garcia

    Hello Corey,
    I think it could hold water drops from Lourdes…which is where I hope to go to at the end of May with my daughter Rachael.

    Reply
  69. mindi

    It looks like a tape measure holder. A small one to carry around in your purse so you can measure any treasure at a moments notice and you will be sure it fits perfectly into your home. If its French, Any size will do…I carry one with me all of the time.

    Reply
  70. bee

    Maybe it’s an ink and pen holder.
    Betsy

    Reply
  71. marina gruenman

    It’s a flask that can be taken along by slipping it unto a walking cane. No?

    Reply
  72. bee

    It could be a smelling salts holder
    Betsy

    Reply
  73. anne

    Hi Corey.. a wonderful blogging game.. .
    http://oakleyantiques.co.uk/images/silver/1908vesta_3.JPG…
    The one in the photo looks like your little curio 🙂 I believe to house friction matches. Might be wrong though.

    Reply
  74. anne

    Try again with link.. not working 🙁
    http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://oakleyantiques.co.uk/images/silver/1908vesta_3.JPG&imgrefurl=http://oakleyantiques.co.uk/index.php%3Fmain_page%3Dproduct_info%26cPath%3D4_34%26products_id%3D300&usg=__68hv06WBJ88FmLDVsVC319vOXws=&h=365&w=922&sz=68&hl=en&start=19&sig2=DeFFRDW2BNDmD3bQtzJAzA&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=8fyVYsexrhMMPM:&tbnh=58&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dantique%2Bsilver%2Bvesta%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=1bDMS463C5CynQPNkITOBQ

    Reply
  75. Joan von Weien

    I think it is possibly for parfum, or other sweet smelling odors, so milady has a whiff of pleasure!!!

    Reply
  76. Cathy

    Could it have held perfume to sweeten sheets before climbing into
    bed, and it is missing a tiny cork? The groove on the side would allow the flask to fit onto an iron bed, and a tiny chain would secure
    it for those times the bed “rocked”.

    Reply
  77. Janet Maddison

    I believed it was a vesta until I saw that the groove was not ridged so how would a flint be struck? Also I have not seen a vesta that has an opening like that..I presume it once had a small stopper?
    So then I thought ‘Of course!!!!’ This is tres rare..a canteen for fairies..the baguette slides into the slot and the wine is poured in the cavity and stoppered until the village clock strikes 12.00.

    Reply
  78. Mahala

    I think it is a cigarette holder.

    Reply
  79. claudia

    Well it is one thing for sure…BEAUTIFUL…
    It probably is a match safe but I choose to think that it is for holding ink and a pen (MIA) would slip in the groove on the side….
    Thanks for the game Corey : )

    Reply
  80. Mahala

    A beautiful hairpin case and the comb slides into the notch on the side.

    Reply
  81. Mahala

    A travel pen case of sorts. The hole is for the ink and the notch holds a beautiful pen.

    Reply
  82. Julie W.

    What a lovely object. I must come back later to read the many respones, but I want to chime in with the first use that came to my mind.
    Before the days of “post-its”, a lady needed a way to write notes to herself. The round opening on the top held a slender pencil and the side opening held tiny slips of paper. Because it was also beautiful, it could be worn on a chain around her neck–so convenient. For example, “Note to self: Pick up more powder for wig.” Ya think????
    Love these guessing games!!!
    Julie W.

    Reply
  83. Mahala

    Ot the side holds a pen and a piece of paper is rolled up in the hole?

    Reply
  84. Mahala

    Whatever it is, it hung from a Chatelaine. I picture the lady of the house having all her tools for the daily life hanging, scissors, thimble, vinagrette, and her lip color holder with a open section for the color and the side notch for the applicator.

    Reply
  85. dotsie (aka podso)

    The stopper or lid has long gone missing on this small medicinal flask usually carried on a chain around a woman’s neck who is prone to fainting spells especially in the heat of summer, or during a particularly festive dancing party. It may have contained something as simple as smelling salts.
    When stoppers or lids are lost, as frequently happens with such small items, the vessel continues to adorn a woman’s neck, but is used to produce a pleasant aroma. Back in the day when baths were infrequent, women would pour perfume into the lidless vessel, rinse it well in the perfume, and then return the perfume to its original bottle. Thus a pleasant scent of the perfume droplets remaining in the vessel would overtake the human sweat scent, at least for a few hours during whatever afternoon tea or evening party the woman was attending. You see, recycling has been around for a long time.

    Reply
  86. Sue

    Snuff bottle?

    Reply
  87. Nancy B

    I think it is to hold little flowers (a mini vase) to wear around your neck.

    Reply
  88. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    I think Ed in Willows is on the mark with his explanation! At first I thought it was a vesta box but didn’t see any ridges to strike the match and it is actually too small to hold matches.
    Now for a creative guess…it held fairy dust inside and the groove was used to attach it to the fairy’s wand 🙂

    Reply
  89. Shelley

    epsom salt holder?

    Reply
  90. Laure

    I think it is a string (floss?*)holder – there was a little metal bobbin which had string wrapped around it. It then fed out through the small opening in the top!
    * I guess they didn’t have floss back in those days! LOL!
    Great find! And congrats to the right guess!

    Reply
  91. Laure

    My second guess is a stamp holder. There may have been a small vial for holding perfume or lilac water to moisten the stamps with – very handy when sending a certain someone a “special” letter!

    Reply
  92. Laure

    ANd this was as close as I could come with a photo…..
    http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=2272543

    Reply
  93. BlackPurl

    I think this beautiful object was a cruel device used by husbands whose wives like to go to the Brocante! I think it was used as a money box (a small slide is missing from the open side) and that hole was there to taunt the woman while she tried in vain to get the thing to open. She could *see* the money, but not get to it. Cruel husband…

    Reply
  94. Sara

    I think it holds a match, and the slot on the side is for striking it. And just so you know, I haven’t read any of the other comments!

    Reply
  95. Maddy

    Ohhh ohhh I think it’s for holding or dispencing Opium. Something so small must be for holding something very expensive and small. I love these games. Thanks you.

    Reply
  96. Through the Milkhouse Door

    MISSING:
    One Baroque style snuff bottle with the initials HTL inscribed on it’s side. Last seen in the Montmartre district of Paris. If found please return to it’s rightful owner.
    Signed,
    Henri Toulouse-Lautrec

    Reply
  97. kate

    if it’s not a flask I’d make it one!
    xo-kate

    Reply
  98. yvonne

    Is it for Snuff? If it had a loop, maybe
    it was hooked to ones coat.
    Yvonne

    Reply
  99. Cheryl

    Victorian women had to hide what we all take for granted…not that I partake, but this is for a mini sip and smoke…tiny cigarette fit into the groove…stopper is missing. It went on a chatelaine where it was “hidden” in plain view…
    …what did I win 🙂

    Reply
  100. nancy

    it is for matches and you strike on the side Nancy

    Reply
  101. Laurie

    I think it held smelling salts for those ladies with delicate dispositions. It could be worn on a chain like a necklace. Just a total guess here! thanks for the guessing game!!

    Reply
  102. Avery

    I believe it is a portable pen holder, complete with ink well. A small, delicate dip pen would slide into the grooved edge (there would have been a matching cover for the pen so the nib would be protected). Ink went into the receptical. One could dip the tiny pen into the ink for jotting down notes. Because it was portable, it has a ring to attach it to a chain.

    Reply
  103. Autumn

    hmmmm.. I say it’s a portable French perfume bottle- it had a tiny glass stick to dip into the expensive stuff and dab on the french lady….that or it was used for secret messages…and to make americans crazy!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  104. Lily

    It looks like the there was a lid to this curious thing. I believe it was a little flask used to hold alcohol. I think the groove on the side is used to slide into a belt or another part to this set and hold the flask in place so you can take it with you on the go. That is my guess – a Flask – missing the lid and the part it’s supposed to be attached to. : )

    Reply
  105. Kathy

    If it truly is a Vesta case, you should send it to me or I should have one. My mother’s name is Vesta, the wife Emile Gentillon. I should have another French Vesta in my life.

    Reply
  106. Sara

    Snuff container, the side slot might have held som kind of spoon or something to get the snuff out of the container.

    Reply
  107. Sara

    Snuff container, the side slot might have held som kind of spoon or something to get the snuff out of the container.

    Reply
  108. Lynn Warren

    It’s either a ladies flask for alcohol or holy water.
    Committed2Excellence@msn.com

    Reply
  109. Karon

    A match box. Some impossibly handsome French gentleman has just been given it as a momento from his beautiful lover who sits opposit him at the roadside cafe where they sip their final coffee before parting to their respective partners. As he walks away he will feel the engraving of flowers on the match box and think of her.

    Reply
  110. carol

    It is a dance card holder. A small decorative pencil fit in the round hole and a small chain ran from the top of the pencil to the side loop. The “card” was placed in the side opening. (Maybe it fanned out like some of the holders below or maybe it was folded as detailed in the funny piece below.) It was worn as jewelry, keeping the hands free for the dancing.
    None of the following are exactly like your piece but carry the concepts.
    http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=3280864
    or
    http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=6869181
    or
    http://cgi.ebay.com/PRE1850-CHATELAINE-AIDE-MEMOIRE-DUTCH-SILVER-DANCE-CARD-/230447084282?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35a7b772fa
    or
    http://cgi.ebay.com/FRENCH-faux-TORTOISE-GOLD-FAN-CARNET-BAL-DANCE-CARD-/390037615000?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item5ad00db198
    Pencil type
    http://www.rubylane.com/shops/arnoldjewelers/item/Solidx20Goldx20Telescopingx20Pencil
    Funny section here tells of the folded paper: (The section title is named “The problem of pencils” and the last half is a hoot.)
    http://cultureandcommunication.org/deadmedia/index.php/Dance_Card

    Reply
  111. Kerri

    Hi there,
    I think the object was for carrying wax matches and the side panel for striking the match to light it.

    Reply
  112. will

    , How very charming. I would like to venture a guess that it is a tiny vase to be worn either by a brooch pin or delicate chain and would contain the sweet fragile blooms of spring: a sprig of grape hyacinths, two or three lilies of the valley or perhaps a snowdrop of scilla. The lovely embossing is a clue. Thank you for sharing the delightful picture.

    Reply
  113. Joann Burnham

    Cocaine! the spoon is missing. Right?

    Reply
  114. Margaret Dennis

    Ah, this is a lovely little match holder/striker.

    Reply
  115. Pat K

    Corey, It is a handy cigarette case which was hung, as suggested by Kelleyn, from one’s waist. It is from the days when one rolled one’s own cigarettes. One gently shook le tabac from the hole onto the cigarette paper which was then rolled in the rounded side groove.

    Reply

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