I am a longtime (30 years) collector of antique purses, and I have several Tam - O -Shanters in my collection. I don't see the typical closure on the opposite side of the hinge. Tams usually had a small nib (for lack of a better word) that you push in and the top pops open. The lid itself would have hole in it to house the nib so you can snap the lid shut. Nor do these purse lids typically have a rim around the underside like this one does. Most of them were made of nickel. My guess would be a compact cover or cosmetic jar lid of some sort.
Linda Hylkema
Santa Clara University
>>> Patrick Tucker <[log in to unmask]> 8/19/2010 6:39 AM >>>
I have two artifacts that I need help with identification of their
functional use. Both come from a residential lot on a street in Maumee City,
Ohio. Other ceramic manufacturers' marks and the property records suggest an
occupation date of circa 1885-1927. The house on the lot was originally
built in 1887 as a wood-frame structure, and later remodeled.
The first is ceramic with manufacturer's mark "A.P. Co" I don't believe this
to be American Pottery Company, Trenton, NJ, but I may be wrong. It is
tube-like with a large diameter hole running through it. Could this be part
of a ceramic insulator for electrical wiring?
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7119.jpghttp://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7121.jpghttp://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7124c.jpghttp://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7123.jpg
The other artifact is a circular, hinged metal lid (silver or nickel-plated
brass) with an engraved floral design (four-leaf clover?) on the exterior.
Profile is convex (exterior)/concave (interior). Looks too small to be a
jewelry or ring box, and too large to be a pocket watch case. Possible
snuff-box, or too late for this type of artifact?
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7148.jpghttp://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7149.jpg
Pat Tucker
Swanton, Ohio, USA
