Before I crack it open...

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Deep silver dime signal at 1860’s farm.

See some fancy and silver.



Spent some time cleaning it up, there was a lot of iron/rust along the seam, mostly at the hinge. A rare earth magnet sticks slightly to the back, enough to stick and very weak on front.

This baby is sealed closed. Tried prying with finger nails so far. Does anyone recognize this? Simply a really fancy cosmetic tin? Small pocket watch? Pill / Snuff holder? If someone can ID I won’t damage it by trying to open.
serial number from under the rust at the hinge.

 

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[Oddjob]

Very cool.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Put a drop of olive oil on the hinge and let it soak in overnight before trying to pry it open.

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Try some kroil on it, that stuff soaks into any corroded crud. Hmm looks like you could fit a couple double eagles in that thing

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Put a drop of olive oil on the hinge and let it soak in overnight before trying to pry it open.

Good idea, just applied a liberal amount of olive oil on hinge and all the way around the seam. Thx

 

[Icewing]

My guess is it's a rouge (makeup) compact

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Try some kroil on it, that stuff soaks into any corroded crud. Hmm looks like you could fit a couple double eagles in that thing

I’ve never heard of Kroil, but have some PB Blaster at home. If the olive oil doesn’t work maybe I’ll try the penetrating oil. Maybe 3 double eagles could fit...

 

[Tommybuckets]

I would have gone straight to pb!

 

[A2coins]

does it feel heavy like theres something in it your more patient than I am lol I hope gold coins are in it for you that would be cool. Tommy

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

does it feel heavy like theres something in it your more patient than I am lol I hope gold coins are in it for you that would be cool. Tommy

I know... it’s just such a nice little piece as it is. I have found dozens of old cosmetic compacts, thin brass with gold or silver plating. I often crush them when doing the old pry open and pray for a gold coin. I’m thinking it’s a pocket watch because of the serial number, no branding on the outside and rust leakage.

 

[bologna321]

can you gradually force it with a guitar pick or something working in the crack

 

[RTR]

Well, open that baby up and lets see whats inside

 

[Oddjob]

does it feel heavy like theres something in it your more patient than I am lol I hope gold coins are in it for you that would be cool. Tommy

Man that would just be killer.

 

[buck8point]

I’ve never heard of Kroil, but have some PB Blaster at home. If the olive oil doesn’t work maybe I’ll try the penetrating oil. Maybe 3 double eagles could fit...

It Works...

 

[Molewacker]

Oh my, wouldn't want to damage, but it's like seeing a present under the tree - what's inside?

 

[nomad 11]

pills i.e dope holder in which case they're all disslolved. but it has a serial # cool. wd 40 on the hinge.

 

[Molewacker]

With a serial number and the lack of a winding stem - I'm guessing a vintage compass or sundial -

 

[Rookster]

Yeah, my guess is a compact or a snuff box.

 

[xr7ator]

I HOPE THERE"S SOMETHING COOL INSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted and good luck!

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

...just rouge. Remnants of a mirror under the gunk. Oh well...