…which is a good thing because I have no idea what this thing is!

I just listed it in my Etsy shop Old Raven.  Click here to visit the listing:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/678337587/vintage-metal-document-keeper?ref=shop_home_active_1

A few details:  This is a metal cylinder.  It’s almost 6″ long.  The metal looks to have a silver overlay.  It has two metal rings soldered onto the side and a beaded chain is attached.

The chain has glass and metal beads, but – I don’t think this chain is original to the cylinder.  The chain looks newer to me.

There are 3-D metal flowers painted/enameled in lavender with clear rhinestones set in the centers.

One end cap comes off.  It just slides off, it is not a screw-type closure. It’s possible that whatever valuable is intended to go inside, once placed within, the end cap is soldered on for a permanent seal.

I’ve done my own personal searching on this item, I have put it to an online group of ‘Antique Identifiers’ and basically ran it through the inspection of anyone I though might be able to give me a clue as to what I have here.

This was the results:  It is a – Tibetan Prayer Tube, Afghanistan Gypsy Good Luck Amulet, Grave Marker, Memory Keeper, Map Cylinder, Certificate/Document Tube, Mezuzah, Needle Safe, Smelling Salts, Match Safe, Stash Tube for Drugs, Antique Carrier for Writing Implements (pens, paper, ink) something on a Chatelaine and the list goes on.

Beyond it being beautiful there’s just not much I can add.  This is truly an eclectic and mysterious item.

Have an opinion on what this is?  Feel free to leave a comment.