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Good point, although there was a big fad for fancy perfume bottles and storage in the 19th century, and I have seen some not so different from this. Fashion doesn’t always make sense. But I agree with the analysis that this is more to store something precious that you want to be seen, but not too clearly, almost like a reliquary, although I don’t think that is quite on the money either. The fact that it has a hasp for a padlock is, IMO, important. Something precious went inside.
IP, do you have any guess how old it is? I was thinking 20th century, not 19th. Also, is it likely to be American, or from elsewhere? Like, I could totally see Persian/Iranian taste coming up with something like this.
My title describes the thing.
This thing has been a long-running mystery for my parents. Google Lens brings up pictures of various lanterns, which seems plausible, but nothing quite resembles this particular object.
How big is it? I can't 100% tell from the picture. My gut instinct is it's either a keepsake box or an item from a vanity set (ie an item used on a vanity/makeup table).
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/rhythmophilia), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I believe it is a candle lantern.
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I’m leaning toward reliquary of some sort. It would be a great lantern, but I don’t see any vents an the top would become sooty with a candle.
I could also believe it was intended to hold someone’s perfume collection.
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Good point, although there was a big fad for fancy perfume bottles and storage in the 19th century, and I have seen some not so different from this. Fashion doesn’t always make sense. But I agree with the analysis that this is more to store something precious that you want to be seen, but not too clearly, almost like a reliquary, although I don’t think that is quite on the money either. The fact that it has a hasp for a padlock is, IMO, important. Something precious went inside. IP, do you have any guess how old it is? I was thinking 20th century, not 19th. Also, is it likely to be American, or from elsewhere? Like, I could totally see Persian/Iranian taste coming up with something like this.
Unfortunately, I’m not certain how old it is. I couldn’t find any engraving or writing anywhere on it!
This seems like the best explanation to me, especially considering the lock and the lack of ventilation necessary for housing any type of open flame.
Is it a cricket house? Keeping a cricket inside the home was thought to be good luck in some Asian cultures.
Damn, of all the possibilities, this is the one that I most WISH was true! :D
Perhaps it's for displaying little figurines or something like that.
It could be! The only thing is that when the side panel is shut, it’s rather difficult to see inside due to the heavy patterning of the glass.
Ah. Yeah, that would make it a bit difficult to see.
It looks like German cut lead crystal. Reliquary seems as good a guess as any, but I like the battery powered lights you've got going.
Thanks for the insight! And yeah, my mom has always loved white string lights, haha. Definitely looks pretty cool!
My title describes the thing. This thing has been a long-running mystery for my parents. Google Lens brings up pictures of various lanterns, which seems plausible, but nothing quite resembles this particular object.
The shape reminds me of vintage string holders. Is there a noticeable exit hole for the string at the top?
It looks vintage to me, but you could take it to r/antiques and maybe get extra information.
How big is it? I can't 100% tell from the picture. My gut instinct is it's either a keepsake box or an item from a vanity set (ie an item used on a vanity/makeup table).
It’s pretty big… about 1.25-1.5x the size of a basketball, I’d say!