What is this? Small metal round box with lid --Snuff? Tobacco holder? Something military?

[duganjcw]

Does anyone have any idea what this is? It's metal and measures about 3 3/4" long. It has a hinged lid. The estate sale dealer didn't know, but wondered if it might be snuff or tobacco related, as the estate had collections of both. There was also a pretty hefty military collection, and since I don't know what it is, I'm throwing that in there. 
Any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks!

Jennie

  

[sathya7]

It is a tobacco holder from NE India. It is made using the lost wax casting technique, (cire perdue).

I found a similar one here, yours is exceptionally nice and looks quite old, 50 to 100 years I would guess.

http://www.polyvore.com/cb2_vintage_tobacco-tea_holder/thing?id=94409004

[sathya7]

If this was a military person, it is very possible he brought it back from India during/after WW2.

[duganjcw]

That was awesome information. 

Thank you!

Jennie