BRASS FLY THINGY - ***SOLVED***

[Clay Lindsey]

Hello all!

At was at my local museum yesterday, the ladies who work there and I were having a "what is it?" contest with some of the unidentified items in their backroom. I did fairly well with most of the items. The ladies then pulled this unidentified object out of the back room. I am stumped. It had been a gift from one person to another. There are initials stating TO so-and-so FROM so-and-so on the top of the abdomen. This is what I know:

It is an ugly fly or a wasp.
It is approx. 7 inches in length.
It seems to be made of brass, but with a heavier copper content.
It hinges at the middle, exposing a four inch long, one inch wide cavity inside.

I believe it is a funky knick knack, but if anyone could tell me more of a purpose I would be appreciated.

Clay

 

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[DrGrip]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

Brass bee ashtray?

http://www.juwanacraft.com/Brass Bee Asthay.html

Grip

 

[Clay Lindsey]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

I thought that as well, but the lid is rather heavy and awkward. Additionally, it doesn't hold itself open. Smoking would have been a two-handed endeavor and not the most popular method.

Clay

 

[Kieth-Tx]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

Possibly a "hide-a-key"?

 

[Montauk]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

Fly Matchsafe. ca. 1900. I have an old one made of cast iron. I've seen them in brass & bronze. Something catastrophic happened to yours. Very malleable material, a cupreous bronze maybe, & somehow crushed down without breaking. Or subject to high heat. Maybe in a fire. I think it could be bent back into shape with carefully applied heat.

One very similar to yours. Scroll down three frames.
http://www.si.edu/ahhp/bradley_hubbard/matchsafes.htm

 

[doublet2a]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

the ladies who work there and I were having a "what is it?" contest with some of the unidentified items in their backroom.

Tim

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

I agree with ashtray or match-safe. I have seen them for sale fairly recently at such tourist traps as Stuckey's and such.

 

[Clay Lindsey]

Re: BRASS FLY THINGY

I now believe it is a match safe as well. The lid doesn't open all of the way like the ashtray does. This is probably one of a set of two; the other being the ashtray. The fly was recovered from the mantle of a fireplace at an old house, which explains the application of heat to distort the legs. Thanks for all of your help.

Clay