Rectangle Case with Holes in the bottom?

[drivebyandy]

This morning I found this. Rectangle case of some sort, the top seems to be copper with the top section painted black. It comes apart into two pieces, no hinges or anything. The bottom is made of aluminum, is painted white/off white and has all those holes in it.

Inside was the normal dirt and roots. POSSIBLY a white cakey/chalky substance, but that might have just been some natural occurrence too.

Smaller than a smartphone, but not by much. I haven't officially measured it yet.

This was found at a farm in Michigan that can be dated back to at least 1850, and has always been occupied.

I've done lots of google image searching and I haven't been able to come up with anything.

Any ideas? Thanks!

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[HuntinDog]

looks like a travel brush

 

[DiggerODirt]

I was thinking same thing...press the button and bristles extend and retract???



HH,

 

[Dighistory]

Reminds me of an old pocket hand warmer. The fuel that burned could be the substance you found inside. I remember seeing an older gentleman golfer using one back in the 70s. I could certainly imagine a hunter using one in the woods.

 

[Woodstock]

I agree ... looks like a vintage hand warmer ....