Curious Antique Hand-carved "Antes" Box

I have to think, with "antes" printed across the edge of one side, that this sweet hand-carved box was made to carry a coin or game chip or two in order to be perpetually ready for a card match. It's certainly quite old, held together with hand-forged nails, and with a slide opening on one end and an inset piece at the bottom. I believe the "antes" is branded/burned into the surface of the wood, but it is a bit hard to tell. In any event, certainly a lovingly made, unusual little box which would be pretty fun to whip out at a poker game!

1 5/16 x 1 7/16 x 3/4". The slide top opens and closes with easy but is not a tight fit. Structurally super sound with a nice patina.