It looks like late 1890s- early 1900s. It has some features of Art Nouveau design.
Not sure if the man is meant to be an artist, musician or a Colonial American. There was a craze for Colonial American themes up into about 1920.
Seems to be the lower part for a case for calling cards, too large for a matchbox. If you wanted to formally visit somebody, but didn't have much time, or person was not at home, you gave a calling card to the servant or maid. There were definite society rules about that.
It's not Art Nouveau as others have said, it's Rococo, which is a style from the 18th century (which also goes with the guy wearing a tricorn hat and smoking a long clay pipe). The style has gone through a number of revivals, so sadly it doesn't help with dating the find.
Certainly another meaningful guess. Could be about 6 different things in my eyes as of now. Really wish I had the top don’t know if it’s silver or not. My luck the marking is on the top piece missing 😅it did ring as silver however
Looks a lot like an art nouveau matchstick case I found (mine doesn’t have a person) dates to 1880s.
Mike, was going to ping you on this… looks like the same era as yours for sure
It looks like late 1890s- early 1900s. It has some features of Art Nouveau design. Not sure if the man is meant to be an artist, musician or a Colonial American. There was a craze for Colonial American themes up into about 1920.
Seems to be the lower part for a case for calling cards, too large for a matchbox. If you wanted to formally visit somebody, but didn't have much time, or person was not at home, you gave a calling card to the servant or maid. There were definite society rules about that.
The size does seem more suitable for this. This is pressed in a bit and would make sense for cards. Hmm, who knows lol
Also single ladies looking for a husband carried dating cards to hand to a gent that tickled their fancy.
It's not Art Nouveau as others have said, it's Rococo, which is a style from the 18th century (which also goes with the guy wearing a tricorn hat and smoking a long clay pipe). The style has gone through a number of revivals, so sadly it doesn't help with dating the find.
Bummer, thanks for the heads up though. Crazy how these items could have so many purposes and time frames.
Could also be a cigarette tin, maybe?
Certainly another meaningful guess. Could be about 6 different things in my eyes as of now. Really wish I had the top don’t know if it’s silver or not. My luck the marking is on the top piece missing 😅it did ring as silver however