…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.
Oh my goodness – it looks very cool! My guess is it some type of vessel to keep something in – ha! I bet it sells on your Etsy shop. Awesome!
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Thanks T.
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