Locket or Something Else?

[RelicDude]

Hello Everyone, found this small brass item today. Square about 2 inches high, one inch across. Can't seem to open it all the way as the top doesn't want to separate. Bizarre thing is the knob. When you push it in, this small needle protrusion thing comes out of the knob, as if it is meant to prick your finger. The second picture shows this protrusion. It is empty except for the knob mechanism inside which has the protrusion spring loaded. The outside of this almost looks like suspender belts with a buckle on each side.

Anybody have any idea what this is? Always appreciate the feedback....Relic Dude.

 

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[Stegner]

Pull it, dont push it?

 

[Catobra]

Pull it/push it-whatever you do don't get stuck by it-could be your last find (poison pin-prick?) : )

Can't wait to hear what this might be-very interesting!

 

[taz42o]

My guess would be its a match safe.

Victorian Novelty Figural Gladstone Bag Vesta Matchsafe (item #995590)

 

[Gunrunner61]

Strange............Empty except for the mech. to prick your finger.......Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm................

 

[Crispin]

It might be exactly what you think... a mechanism to prick your finger. Could be an antigue used to check blood sugar for diabetics. Clearly not sterile for todays market. I would check out what year insulin became easily available and the appartus they were using for finger sticks at that time.

 

[RelicDude]

Appreciate, the feedback...I think it is to small to be a match holder. It isn't much bigger than around a inch and a half. Early Insulin apparatus? Maybe...I'll ahve to do some looking on how back that goes. I did find this quite deep right near a cellar hole. Based on other items, I'm guessing this is mid to late 1800's.

 

[Crispin]

If it is that early then there is no way it is an insulin appartus. Insulin was invented in 1921, marketed to the public in early 50's. Early self glucose monitoring became available in the 70's. If it is older then 50 years old then you can kick that idea to the curb. I did a little bit of research for you...sorry to mislead.

Crispin

 

[taz42o]

Some match safes are 1.5 inches .

 

[RelicDude]

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I didn't realize that match safes could be so small at a inch and a half. What still doesn't make sense to me is the small needle like protrusion that comes out of the knob when you push it in. What would the purpose of that be on a match safe?

 

[Breezie]

I agree with Taz in that it is a Victorian Pocket Vesta. Most of them were 2 inches by 1 1/2 inches. The spring loaded pin probably had some type of strike cap on it, which was used to strike the match. The website below has one with a spring loaded strike. It is the one listed as Pocket Vesta. Neat find Breezie

http://www.squidoo.com/collecting_vesta_cases