Decorative Brass Container Appraisal

Perforated Brass Container with Handle

This appears to be a vintage or antique brass container, roughly cylindrical or barrel-shaped, with a flat top and bottom. It measures approximately 6 inches in height and 8-10 inches in diameter based on comparison with the ruler in the image. The entire body, including the lid, is constructed from brass, exhibiting a patinated, aged gold-brown color consistent with unpolished or minimally polished brass over time. The main body of the container features an intricate, pierced or perforated design, likely created by a punch or drill, indicating a decorative or possibly functional purpose such as aeration. The lid is similarly perforated with smaller, more uniform holes, and is equipped with a central, arc-shaped brass handle for portability, along with two small, decorative studs or knobs on either side of the handle. The lid fastens to the body with a simple brass latch mechanism on the front, and there are visible hinges on the rear, suggesting a robust construction. The overall condition shows significant signs of age, including surface wear, scratches, and a prominent dark patina, especially in recessed areas. There are no clearly visible maker's marks or signatures in the provided images, but the style of perforation and the general form suggest a 19th or early 20th-century origin, possibly Asian or Middle Eastern. The craftsmanship appears to be of moderate quality, with functional components and decorative piercing that would have required skilled labor.