Help with this clay pot w/ metal hinge

[DWRC]

Hello folks, I suppose I should have introduced myself before making my first post so please excuse my impertinence but this clay jar has me perplexed. I found it in a thrift shop in Helena, MT this weekend and have never seen anything quite like it. It stands ~8 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Inside the lid are the words "PAT APLd FOR". It's surprisingly dense and heavier than you would think for something this small.
I appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you in advance!

 

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[taz42o]

Ive seen them used as sour dough jars.
But could have many uses I guess.

 

[DWRC]

Thanks! I see there's something similar that is being called a "Weir" seal but not quite the same since Weir jars are numbered and patented. Think this could be a pre-patented Weir jar or maybe something

 

[JHinPA]

Welcome to T-Net DWRC! You've come to the right place. There are a lot of talented people here that can help with your finds. Good Luck and Happy Hunting.

 

[BosnMate]

Welcome aboard. My first though was a pickle jar, but sour dough starter sounds good also. The way the latch works seems to be unique ---- at least this is the first I've seen in 80 years.

 

[villagenut]

I dug one similar several weeks ago and also thought possibly a Weir piece. After further research, I thought maybe an unmarked Sherwood Brothers pottery crock. Weir usually had a marked lid where Sherwood had an incised mark on the heel.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/bottles-glass/538166-dug-some-stoneware.html

https://picclick.com/Antique-Sherwood-Bros-pottery-crock-Jar-332132895558.html