I did not know what this was when I found it, but looking like a very finely carved whimsy of sorts it drew me. Then I discovered that its cylindrical interior chamber can be pulled out when its lid is unscrewed and I was sold. Once home, I discovered it is quite a rare thing with a very specific function--a late 18th/early 19th century hand-turned and hand-carved British "angler's companion" (also known as a fisherman's or poacher's companion), used for consolidating multiple fishing necessities into a single, pocket sized holder. multi-tiered tower. The eight struts around the perimeter were used as winders for wrapping and storing spare fishing line, and exterior column, which is actually comprised of four vertically stacked threaded chambers, was used for carrying lead shot weights, sinkers, and loose hooks. Pretty cool!
These were made as luxury items for the upper class (or highly prized tools for serious anglers), and an example like this would have been housed inside a fitted leather or papier mache case to protect it. I have found documentation of just two other examples of these bought and sold in recent years--like this one with a few losses to the tips of the winders. Quite a special thing.
5 1/4" x 1 3/4" d. A few losses to the very tips of winders, as documented. Overall very good condition. Lid screws on and holds tight just as it should.
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