Topic: Square pressed glass box - ID = cigarette box probably

[Anne]

I don't feel this is part of a trinket set, but what is it for? A square pressed glass box, 4½" square (115mm) and 2" deep (50mm). No real wear on either surface so I'm not even sure which way up it should be! The flat side is perhaps slightly more worn than the curved one but it's hard to see. Quite heavy for its size = 754g. No clues as to maker anywhere either. Thoughts welcome.

[Chris Harrison]

Go on.  I'll bite.
How about it being a "sardine box" (if it's old enough)?  They were popular in the late 19C/early 20C.  It seems about the right size.

[deco.queen]

Cigarette Box?  Playing cards?

[Anne]

Sardines eh Chris? I'd never even considered those! It's incredibly thick glass - 8mm in places - I wonder if that was to keep the smell in?    The inside space measures 85mm square (that's only 3½")  - would that be big enough for sardines?

Cigarette box is a possible, Janice, thanks. Not sure about playing cards though as I don't think it's deep enough for a full pack of cards. It looks so much bigger outside but the space inside is quite small.

[Chris Harrison]

I forgot.

Some old catalogues mention "honey boxes".  I seem to remember seeing a Jacobean pattern box - amongst others - referred to thus, though whether by Inwald's importer or Davidson I forget.

Why on earth honey in a box?  Hmmm, I smell a marketing dept at work!

[Anne]

Yep, I have a couple of those but they tend to be deeper - this one would have the honey all over the table I think.     It's amazing looking through the early catalogues what they did have things for! 

[deco.queen]

Since it isn't deep it would be good for hair pins or paper clips...just trying to think what I'd use it for.

[Lustrousstone]

Perhaps it was for a sponge for "licking" your stamps. Deskware tends to be heavy for stability.

[Anne]

Today I spotted (but didn't buy) a matching ashtray for this box, so I'm now pretty sure mine was made as a cigarette box.  Still no idea who made them, but they are seriously heavy!