New guy has an easy one probably....

[synapse]

I found this in my backyard - I'm assuming it's a tobacco tin or a makeup thing of some kind, but I figured one of you MDing experts have seen dozens of these to tell me exactly what it is. It's 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and about 1/2 inch thick when closed. I don't see any marks or a brand name on it, and it appears to be a stamped pattern on the lid, but the pattern on the bottom looks etched since it doesn't go through to the inside. My house was built in 1913, so there's some potential for it to be a little bit old maybe (?)...Also, I can't figure out the two "buttons" on the top. I'm only 3 days into the hobby, so i was just excited to dig up something other than a nail or a pop can!! Any advice on how to clean it up would be appeciated - I don't know what kind of metal it is, but the tarnish is mostly green. I think it should look pretty neat if i can shine it up a bit. Thanks!!!

 

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[laralucine]

Hi Synapse, welcome!
It looks like a powder/rouge compact. The "buttons" look like they were screws/bolts holding a mirror or some kind of inlay, which has since broken and fallen out. Just a guess. Nice find!
Lara

 

[Blind.In.Texas]

Hello. Welcome to the gang. Nice to see you posting. I think Lara nailed it down pretty well.

GL and HH

 

[buscadero]

8) Looks like Lara & WillDig nailed it! Good Job, Guys! Nice Find, Synapse!!! Welcome!!!!

Joe

 

[EDDE]

Hi Synapse, welcome!
It looks like a powder/rouge compact. The "buttons" look like they were screws/bolts holding a mirror or some kind of inlay, which has since broken and fallen out. Just a guess. Nice find!
Lara

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Very nice find. I agree with the rest,but I think there is a small emblem missing from the front (looking at the tiny attachments) and was probally a cameo ,etc. Maybe that part is still in the hole.

 

[Michelle]

Good Job........http://www.rubylane.com/shops/mitziesplace/item/M1841 Yes, Gypsy I agree top "ornament" missing...not nescessarily like the one on rubylane...but ya never know....

 

[sirtiksalot]

Nice find! You definitely have an awesome opportunity at your home given the era in which it was built.

In regards to the cleaning: The green oxidation is a good indication that the composition contains copper. Judging by the images you have posted, it appears to be made of brass (copper and zinc). You might be able to remove this using electrolysis. You can find several improvised electrolysis methods on various metal detecting sites. I found at least 2 or 3 different methods by searching on google for metal detecting tips. They vary slightly, but are virtually all the same process. Hope that helps you out some!

 

[Night Stalker]

Looks like a make-up compac or a snuff holder?