To my eye, this antique copper match safe is a perfect object--beautiful form completely wed to function, out of this world patina, and the presence of the hand of its maker all over it. My guess, though I am not 100% certain, is that is it Civil War era. It would make sense for wartime use that the lid be attached via chain to prevent losing it--and happily this yielded these gorgeous weld marks attaching the chain to the lid and back of the vessel. Yum.
4" tall x 3 7/8" wide x 2 1/4" deep. Great condition--worn but not at all misshapen; no major dings, no tears at all, lid fits tight and flush and comes of smoothly, clean interior, amazing patina.