Item with mystery contents REVEALED

[The Doc]

A found this little copper-alloy tin at Rooksbridge - it's about 4 centimetres in diameter. It has something inside which you can hear moving when you shake it - doesn't sound like metal, but when I showed it to Neil at the rally he said that sometimes sovereigns were kept in metal boxes like this. I think it looks like a pillbox or maybe snuff box.

It's jammed shut and I don't want to break it open, but I've put some oil in the hinge and will have a go at opening it. Any ideas what might be inside?

My own ID skills don't extend to being able to see through metal unfortunately

[Tafflaff (Rob)]

hmmmmmm , a treasure map , a lead needle and some spindle woven thread

[hedgehog]

Definitely snuff with a soupcon of quality dirt.

[Yankee]

I messed around with your photo adjusting the size,color and hue I am trying to make out the words printed on your item. Care to share those words with us?

[The Doc]

I thought I couldn't decipher it all, but I think it says "POWDRETTE DUBARRY", so I guess it is probably a ladies' powder compact.

[Yankee]

Dubarry 
This English Company began in the early 1920s as the Dubarry Perfumery Company.  It is sometimes confused with the American company of Richard Hudnut, who also used the variation 'Du Barry ' as a brand name.  I found a old photo of the factory its the building with the clock tower. Your item probably contains a powder puff and maybe some remaining powder inside Just a guess.....and to think tafflaff says I spend too much time on the internet! LOL

[detectordave]

Watch it does not contain swine fever

[Al.Thepastfinder, ( Alan )]

yes,  thats what i thought Peter , a ladies powder compact
Alan

[Neil]

It certainly looked like a make up compact or snuff box, but I am sure I could hear something moving around in it - probably the hardened contents though.

I remember my grampy used to use an old snuff tin for his coins and notes back in the 70's , so you never know there could be something special inside or it could just be make up! Crack it open I say! 

If you were out and about and wanted to keep your money safe I think you would be much more likely to store it in a container of some sorts than leave it in a pocket. Thinking about it - I do it now on holiday with my sunglasses case when we are on the beach.

You never know . . .

Neil

[Charles Cater]

Try this one P? The reading to me looks lik "DOWORETTERDURX" Surely not a container for those things.

[The Doc]

No, it's definitely "POWDRETTE DUBARRY"

I've now managed to ease it open, and it contains......





























Ladies' face powder

Shows the quality of the tin that it's kept the contents dry through years in the ground.

[The Doc]

Dubarry 
This English Company began in the early 1920s as the Dubarry Perfumery Company.  It is sometimes confused with the American company of Richard Hudnut, who also used the variation 'Du Barry ' as a brand name.  I found a old photo of the factory its the building with the clock tower. Your item probably contains a powder puff and maybe some remaining powder inside Just a guess.....and to think tafflaff says I spend too much time on the internet! LOL

Many thanks for the ID Yankee

[Charles Cater]

Ooooer!! P what have I said.

[Yankee]

This might be your item in its better days! it says it also included a mirror did yours?
 
 Colours
Primary: Gold

Primary: Unknown Base Metal
Second: Gold tone
 
 

[Charles Cater]

I would take a guess that this compact that was found is from the second WW. Maybe it was given as a gift by some American to his girl friend?