✅ SOLVED Unidentified box with hinged brass top

[popeye2005]

We picked this item up from an estate sale from an elderly couple and have no history of it. We are hoping someone might be able to identify what it is. It almost looks like a (smallish) writing desk since the top surface is flat and it is angled. The contents are somewhat puzzling as well. Perhaps the tray inside is some sort of oil lamp? I could find no identifying markings of any kind on either the brass top, wooden structure, handles, or the aluminum or tin tray within.

Any help is appreciated, thank you!



Sorry some are upside-down!

 

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[CaptEsteban]

Just a little more to add.
Many years ago , rural mail carriers delivered mail by horse & buggy. They would have a couple of " fire bricks ' heated at the post Office, & wrapped in a wool blanket to use to keep their feet warm. At several different stops along their routes, patrons would come out & exchange the fire bricks with some hot ones, they had inside.

 

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