Please help id before i crack it open

[civil_war22]

Found this today in a sidewalk tearout in ft. Smith Arkansas around down town saloon area along with a 1884 v nickel and a 1881 Indian head penny. Will post those later. This appears to be copper or brass and has a loop up top a hinge on bottom and a little clasp on right side. Smaller than a half dollar. It weighs in at 2 ounces. Thought it was a pocket watch but seems too heavy maybe a coin holder. I don't know but please help Id before I get too anxious and tear it open. Where a small piece of copper or brass fell off there appears to be gold on inside. So unsure what it is. Thanks

 

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[nhbenz]

My guess would be an old pill box. But, jeez, don't keep us waiting -- what's inside!?

 

[civil_war22]

I don't know. It's heavy at 2 ounces for a small pill holder. I see gold and am either anxious from wanting it open or something. But where a piece was broken off it looks like gold on the inside but am too scared to pop it open. I'm letting it soak it vinegar right now

 

[civil_war22]

Any other suggestions

 

[TNGUNS]

Now you got me going crazy....can't wait.

Going crazy for me is a very short trip.....almost there now.

 

[bluehunter1973]

lip gloss?

 

[Hoppus]

well, the case really looks beyond repair to me....I'd just open it

 

[civil_war22]

Was a pocket watch or something. Didn't look to have any gears just a few small pieces of copper wire and a few other things. I'll post pics in a second

 

[Hoppus]

Was a pocket watch or something. Didn't look to have any gears just a few small pieces of copper wire and a few other things. I'll post pics in a second

dang....oh well I guess...

 

[baylorhall]

Anxious to see pics!

 

[civil_war22]

Alright cracked it open. No coins. Really wired though, seems that there is no gears and looks as if where that little circle is might have been a key that activated something inside.

 

[archer63]

Kinda looks like a bicylcle bell

 

[civil_war22]

Thought of that but to small and it has a loop to hang from chain or necklace

 

[cw0909]

maybe a vintage one of these
Hand Buzzer Trick Buzzer Prank Joke Gag Toy 4 pcs | eBay

 

[NOLA_Ken]

When I first saw your post it got me thinking about a thing I found a while ago, It's some sort of ammeter. The face has the word "Maritime" across the top, with "Amperes" under the scale, there's a makers name but it's mostly rusted away Chas__________ & Co.

I only know that it's an electric current meter, no idea on anything else about it, but maybe yours was something similar.

 

[taz42o]

Pocket Meter Collection

 

[Bum Luck]

Good thing for you it wasn't a time machine!

 

[TENNESSEEGAL]

Good thing for you it wasn't a time machine!

Lol bum!!!!

 

[civil_war22]

It has to be at least early to late 1880's the bricks under the original concrete on down town garrison avenue haven't been up since that was put in. It was under the bricks with that 1881 Indian head

 

[Ibmike1655]

It looks to me like it may be a pocket compass.