What was this iron box used for?

[Seabiscuit]

I went hunting with the guys yesterday & one of the things I found is this little iron box. I can't figure out what it was used for.
It was near an old home site. I thought maybe someone here could tell me.
Thank You S.B.

 

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[Montauk]

Cast iron toy stove? That's all that comes to mind.

 

[jgas]

Hard telling....Could it be an small burner of sorts. Maybe for incense Sorry just a wild guess. jgas

 

[72cheyenne]

This possibly is the base to a cast iron mechanical bank. The mechanical part and figure are broken off.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

This possibly is the base to a cast iron mechanical bank. The mechanical part and figure are broken off.

I think its a good possibility.

 

[Breezie]

This possibly is the base to a cast iron mechanical bank. The mechanical part and figure are broken off.

I think its a good possibility.

I don't think it's a base for a bank for 2 reasons; it doesn't have a hole in the bottom to retrieve the money, plus it has 2 screws/nuts on the top, and the antique cast iron banks I've seen didn't have any other way to open/retrieve money except through the bottom hole. There were banks made without a hole, but they were made of chalkware and had to be broken. A toy cast iron stove is probably a closer guess, but the feet are not ornate and/or curved like those found on the toy stoves. Is the cut-out area on top machine done or does it look like something broke-off, and the cut is not intentional?

I'm thinking it might be a 'display base' for a globe, light, sundial,doorstop etc. Breezie

 

[Seabiscuit]

This possibly is the base to a cast iron mechanical bank. The mechanical part and figure are broken off.

I think its a good possibility.

I don't think it's a base for a bank for 2 reasons; it doesn't have a hole in the bottom to retrieve the money, plus it has 2 screws/nuts on the top, and the antique cast iron banks I've seen didn't have any other way to open/retrieve money except through the bottom hole. There were banks made without a hole, but they were made of chalkware and had to be broken. A toy cast iron stove is probably a closer guess, but the feet are not ornate and/or curved like those found on the toy stoves. Is the cut-out area on top machine done or does it look like something broke-off, and the cut is not intentional?

I'm thinking it might be a 'display base' for a globe, light, sundial,doorstop etc. Breezie

It does appear that something was broken off the top.

 

[Adventure Wolf]

Could it have been used as a stand in a fireplace?

 

[relichunters]

I was thinking woodstove piece. Maybe had a lid that went on it, to boil water or serve food.

If I found that, the first thing that would come to mind is "I bet it's full of coins"

 

[Broken knee]

It is the base of a sad iron heater
Broken Knee

 

[72cheyenne]

It is the base of a sad iron heater
Broken Knee

Yea!!!

Great ID Broken knee!

 

[Woodland Detectors]

It is the base of a sad iron heater
Broken Knee

Nyyyyyyce!

 

[Seabiscuit]

Good Job Broken Knee!
Thanks!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It is the base of a sad iron heater
Broken Knee

Great ID. Here are some more pics showing the hole on top.. Another green check. http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-BRIGHTE...ZAntiques_Decorative_Arts?hash=item2559b27b73