Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
The lid pulls off for storage of the flint and steel. The box measures 10cm w x 12cm h incl the candle socket.
The internal lid or similar would then dampen out the flame. Not a great deal of these boxes survived in wood, metal was the prefered option .because of the fire risk.
This type of tinder box were made in brass but rarely seen in wood.
c1800
Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page
An Unusual Antique Treen Tinder Box
