✅ SOLVED Strange Container

[shanegalang]

I found this in a sugarcane field where most of the finds are 1700s to civil war era. First I was really surprised at how well it has survived so many years of plowing. It is strange to me because the inside is very shallow. It's 2" tall and 2" across the top but the inside is only about an inch deep. Any thoughts on what it was used for? Thanks, Shane

 

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[Silver Searcher]

Inkwell perhaps...

SS

 

[old digger]

Could it be an old pill crushing container?

 

[shanegalang]

Both great suggestions. I also wonder about the age.

 

[River Rat]

Shane, I agree with Old Digger. What a big difference in using "choice words" & vintage vs antique when using Google Search. vintage pill crusher - Google Search

Typed in vintage mortar pestles.

 

[shanegalang]

I think thats right! Thanks........I'll go with a pill crusher I wonder how old it is.

 

[Breezie]

I think it is either a green stoneware egg cup or either a stoneware mortar; either way the age would probably be 1880s to 1920s. I'm leaning more toward an egg cup because of it's small size; test an egg in it and see how she sits! Neat find Breezie

 

[stefen]

Could it be an old pill crushing container?

Crucipal, y'all mean...Its what first came to mind, you just beat me to it...

 

[River Rat]

I like Breezie's idea too! A big possibility...try the egg. vintage egg cups - Google Search

 

[shanegalang]

And we have a winner!! The inside is even egg shaped...........it fit perfectly It also makes much more sense as where it was found was right in an old trash pit, tons of pottery and household items. the date frame also fits as this trash pit is in the same field as the tavern but closer to the spot where a later house sat judging from the seated liberty coins found vs the older Spanish silver. Question: What was the point of sitting an egg in this? So it wouldn't roll away? Or for displaying a marble egg?

 

[Ammonhotep]

Egg holders like that are still used for formal dining. Great ID, Breezie.

 

[Archeodeb]

And we have a winner!! The inside is even egg shaped...........it fit perfectly It also makes much more sense as where it was found was right in an old trash pit, tons of pottery and household items. the date frame also fits as this trash pit is in the same field as the tavern but closer to the spot where a later house sat judging from the seated liberty coins found vs the older Spanish silver. Question: What was the point of sitting an egg in this? So it wouldn't roll away? Or for displaying a marble egg?View attachment 716229

They are for soft-boiled eggs. You break the shell near the top and dip your spoon in to eat out the soft egg. personally, I always thought just breaking the egg out into a bowl or saucer made more sense, but that's just me.