Here it is:
From the end of the jump ring (which makes me wonder if it’s something that might have been carried on a chatelaine) it measures 2 ¼ inches. It’s marked “A.M. Co” and “STERLING SILVER.” The main length of the body is machined in tiny ridges, and there’s a slot running its length. When you turn the knob on the end, a sort of tongue protrudes through the slot:
The object easily comes apart into two pieces--an inner core and outer shell--and has a little catch so that I think it’s made to pull apart. The inner core with the tongue pretty much fills the outer--there's not a lot of space in there:
Unfortunately I don’t have a date for this item: an on-line search for “A.M. Co” didn’t turn anything up about the manufacturer, and neither did searching on silver hallmark identification sites. I’m not even sure if it’s American or British.I have a couple of theories…but I want to hear what you think. No theory too crazy! And anyone who can provide a positive identification for this object will win a signed copy of your choice of Bewitching Season or Betraying Season.
Let the guessing begin!
21 comments:
Well, isn't that the funkiest little thing? I am utterly clueless. Can't wait to see what others think!
Okay, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's stumped!!
Is it a cigarette roller?
I don't think so, based on images of cigarette rollers shown on Google images--cigarette rollers seem to have a little trough where you lay the paper and then pour in the tobacco.
I honestly have no clue! Maybe something with winding loose string? I can't think of anything else that would be that small...
I'm stumped. It doesn't look long enough for a needle case and it doesn't seem to have a pop-up top either. The closest I found in searing was a lipstick case but it's not exact.
It would be long enough for a needle case (2 and a quarter inches) but no pop top--it's not a container of any kind (needles would fall right out of that slit in the side). I've toyed with the idea of a stamp holder--stamps started being sold in rolls by 1907in the US--but there wouldn't be room inside the cylinder for more than a couple...so that seems pointless.
How about a ribbon roller? You go to the shops and buy several lengths of ribbon, but you don't want to carry them home in a tangled mess, so you stick one end underneath that tongue-thingey and roll your ribbon!
(Am I thinking of the scene in the Keira Knightley "Pride and Prejudice" where Wickham buys Lydia some ribbon? Why, yes, yes I am.)
Cool idea, pie--but there just isn't room inside for more than an inch or two of ribbon.
I'm thinking it has to be some kind of tool, rather than a storage device. Keep up the guesses, everyone!!
Hmmm, how odd indeed. I don't know but to me... it reminds me of a whistle. Maybe that tongue thingy changes the sound or something? ha ha
. . .its an oval strip dispenser stamp box! . . .
.it would store. . .
. i found it on the internet.
it's from an old English/British company circa 1890. . .
I'm thinking is holds tiny messages....maybe?!?!?!
Ooh, Sai.Sai--can you post a link?!
Here's the likely link: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4038721
sorry i didn't post the link. . .but 'anonymous' was right! that's where i found out about the tool's use. . .
It's okay, Sai.Sai...and I'm thrilled you were able to find it!!!
Can you contact me via the form on my website so I can send you your prize?
I'm guessing it's a hot curler that they used in their hair.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! so much Marissa!
.i'm so thrilled!
.i'll stop by your site. . .i actually live halfway around the world from where you are right now. . .is that alright with you? . . .
Absolutely all right, Sai.Sai. :)
.ohhhh!
Thank you so much Mrissa! . . .
.I can't seem to say thank you enough!
. . .I already dropped by your site yesterday. . .
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