Any ideas what this might be?
I'm thinking there was once a hinge type pin that held it shut.
Photo looks greyer than it actually is. (Brass color).
Estimated measurement approx. 3"x2".
Thanks
With the clerical motif and lack of swastikas, I'd guess Imperial period, may part of a clergyman's traveling communion set - wafer box??
Dave
i wonder what the rings are for? A hinge could be it, but do you think it could hold something, like a holy unction (oil) for anointing the sick?
Rings - if they line up - for keeping it closed during travel?
Dean,
Quite an interesting item you've found there, never seen anything like it before.
The only thing I can think of is that it may be some type of clip to attach and hold a small flag or standard on a round wooden or metal rod for some kind of a Stammtisch assembly..? That might explain the three curled devices at the bottom edge, where the rod might slide through ... hmm? ... tough call indeed.
The thing that's easy enough to distinguish is the great eagle and crown artwork. This has to be the best Art Deco design of the royal crest I've ever seen, very futuristic when compared to the normally seen renderings. Being able to see the eagle's talons through the modernized Hohenzollern crown is a splendid touch.
I really look forward to hearing more ideas about what purpose this piece actually served and hope our members will take time to comment.
Thanks for letting us check this out.
Best!
Bill
What size were calling cards during the period?
To me, looks like a pocket card holder.
Neat eagle/crown.
This could be off, but I have a small notepad that has a similar set of rings for a pen, and there is a small pad of paper inside, maybe about 25 sheets that rip off at the top. Could it be a (missing )pen and pad?
Great input. Thank you for that.
At first my guess was business /calling cards also. Maybe??
But with the note book or card theory, wouldn't they fall out as soon as the supply dwindled?
I agree with imperial bird, but thought the torso and head started resembling some eagles of the 3rd reich.JMO
I am definitely no authority on the social protocol of that period, but it was my understanding that an individual might only carry ONE card to a social event.
That card was left in a tray, with everyone else's card, at the entrance ( ergo a "calling card").
The total group of cards became a guest register of sorts.
An individual card holder would serve to keep that card unblemished (ie: dogears,, smudges,etc.)
I thought the eagle reminded me of something!
This is an engraved blade from a Richard Herder (?) TR sword with very similar Art Deco style bird.
