Please could anyone tell me what this is?

[MG]

I have this object which is hallmarked for Chester, 1911 and is made by Sampson Mordan & Co Ltd. My Dad and me have been wondering what it might have been used for and I would be very grateful if anyone could tell us. It is about 2 and a half inches across.

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[JLDoggett]

It appears to be a dispenser for something, business cards or cigarettes come to mind by the dimentions. It also appears to have an internal part missing, this would have been either a slanted sheet or a curved one which would have supported the items, or possibly a glass liner. There appears to be a line across the inside back of the piece which may have been caused by the support. There also appears to be some abrasion on the lower lip which may bave been caused by the liner. The lack of a retaining lip along the despensing edge, (the lower edge with the cut-out) makes me hazzard the guess it was not for anything round, or a glass or metal liner may have had the retention lip.
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[dognose]

Hi,

There should be another hallmark that shows that assay office, but maybe that was on the missing part.

Trev.
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[MG]

I am enclosing another photo of the inside. There is a retaining strip on the front, opening end. However, I can't see any signs of there having been a retaining strip at the back.


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[David Johnson]

I'd be thinking along the lines of card or possibly cigarette dispenser. It must have a liner or internal floor that is missing.
I'd be happy with the Sampson and Mordan attribution and date too - missing the Chester mark but otherwise spot on for 1911.
David
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