Copper capsule I dug - Any ideas?

[Exintrick]

I dug this while MDing a friends rural property yesterday (central OK) and I'm turning to the experts of eccentricities for some ID help. It appears be two copper pieces joined together like a pill capsule. It's pretty battered so hard to tell for sure, but it looks like these fit together snug like one side is a slightly smaller diameter and was made to go inside the other. I've tried opening it but it won't budge with mere human strength. The ends are rounded and it appears to have been perfectly cylindrical before it was crushed. It also looks like there is a small amount something, maybe fabric, peeking out from the seam on one side. There are no markings that I can discern.

I've done some research already trying to get an idea, and the closest things I've come up with are a pocket shrine, or a carrier pigeon capsule, but neither one seems to fit the bill. It weighs 11g which seems to be heavier than just the copper. Pretty sure it's filled, though probably just with dirt. Anyone seen something like this before?



Any thoughts on ID or ideas for opening are much appreciated!

Exintrick

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[petecnc]

Maniac's method sounds sound with proper ventilation.

Not knowing its contents makes it harder to decide for sure.Forced to open it I would put largest diameter at joint lowest in a holder leaving joint exposed. Then paint joint at least once a day with transmission fluid. After a few days apply gentle torque opposite ways with padded channel lock pliers with out scarring or crushing, trying for a couple millimeters of movement then repainting a couple more days.. If no movement repeat. Have done similar on rusted brake lines before.

i was going to suggest something along the same as this. just small movements eventually it will open,going to take time and patients. im very interested in whats inside.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I've seen similar things in old drafting sets to hold the leads and pin/points for compasses and dividers (lower right in this image). For a really old set it may be the ink nib holder that was suggested earlier.

 

[duggap]

Ok, it's been long enough. Open that puppy up.

 

[wainzoid]

Vise and vise grips. 8 lb sledge hammer. Sawzall. Or 20 lb of tannerite. There is lots of options. Lol. Pick one

 

[Produce Guy]

I Googled it and it looks like it could be a pill container.

 

[Produce Guy]

There's a women on here called Brezzie or brezzy,she knows everything,PM her with the picture

 

[Exintrick]

Well, I finally got it open, though not in the way I wanted. Tried an acetone soak and lots of wiggling. Looked like it had moved a fraction of a fraction and I applied some more force when POP! off came the end. Makes me kinda wish I had cut it, but oh well. So here's what's inside so far. It's locked in by corrosion, so I'm gonna give it a vinegar soak and see if I can get it loose. Still not sure what it is, some sort of threaded or grooved pin and some black charcoal looking stuff holding it in.



I'll update after I get the contents completely out. Thanks for everyone's ideas and comments! (Had a few beers last night and almost tried the 20lbs of tannerite suggestion )

 

[releventchair]

Close but no cigar?
Antique Brass Trench Lighter | eBay

 

[Exintrick]

Close but no cigar?
Antique Brass Trench Lighter | eBay

I think you may have hit the nail on the head! Thanks RC!

After soaking for a bit, the black stuff I thought was hard like charcoal, was actually soft and I was able to get it out. Then I could see where the threaded piece went into another skinny cylinder. Pretty sure it is the flint holder/adjuster and the black stuff was the packing used to hold the fluid. There is a wick hole next to the cylinder that goes to a top compartment where I now think the striker wheel is. I hate that it broke, but I sure wish it would have broken on the other end instead so I could confirm the wheel. But from the bottom it sure seems similar in construction to a Zippo. My phone decided to get mad at me so I haven't got a new pic, but I'll try again later tonight. Not sure if I'm gonna try and get the other side open for absolute confirmation, but I think this is solved.

Thanks to everyone for the help and ideas!!!

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Took me a bit to figure out where I had put it but here's the one I mentioned earlier, it came from a sidewalk tear out near the French Quarter...

 

[JHinPA]

I'm guessing that it is spare pen tip (nib) holder, or spare pencil lead container (lead was in 1 3/8 length and about 0.100" thick). I have both in my posession. They look similar, but mine are new (not dug). Originally, it was chrome or plated, but in yours the plating wore off to expose the copper underneath. Your magnet is probably attracted to the metal pen nib. H. H. - JHinPA