Brass CANISTER for Samples or Specimens with Three Compartments Possibly Scientific or MILITARY

Item Details

Brass canister with three sealed compartments for scientific samples perhaps, circa 1840s to 1860s. The brass canister has a center piece with a hole at center and a tight fitting band with the same size hole that can be turned to open or seal a compartment. The two ends are hollow and there are two caps that seal them shut. The edges of the sections are raised with knurls for turning the tight fitting sections. There is a lingering chemical odor. The patina looks to be copper, but I think it is brass. There are no markings, but I think this piece dates to the mid 19^th century, a bit before the Civil War maybe. There is some roughness on the top and bottom sides of one of the lids, as though they were used as work surfaces. I do suspect this is a field specimen canister of sorts. It measures just over 5 ¾” tall and is 2 ¼” in diameter. The end caps each measure just over 1 ½” tall, with the hole in the center section being just under 1 ½”. The canister is in good or better condition with the wear, soiling, and patina consistent with its age and active use. There are some minor dings and dents around the top and bottom outside edges. A nice brass canister!