I might think it may once have been used as a calling card tray
S Calvalry was established as an official branch of the United States Army in 1861
following the inscription from the "affectionate sister" who painted it
which doesn't really seem like a fold mark
The sides of the box feature a flower and vine design
Wonderful Little Brass Foot Whatsit wooden rack I might think it mayHonestly, I have no idea what this is, or what it would have been used for! I thought perhaps a stamp for a wax seal, except that there is nothing engraved on the flat end. Perhaps it was a gift to a shoemaker, though I'm still not sure why it would have the handle on it? In any case, it's a pretty great object, nicely made, I might think by a jeweler, and heavy for its size. To me it has a bit of a Carl Auboch feel, and the brass is so bright and