Miniature silver bee cage or transporter?

[Peartree1234]

I would welcome thoughts on the purpose this miniature pierced silver box. It is hallmarked for Sheffield, Thomas Bradbury & Sons, 1898. It measures approximately 6.5cm wide, 5.5cm deep x 4.5cm high. I am unsure what it is for but my best guess is a Queen bee cage for which similar items exist in wood from the c 1900's. I am pretty sure the piercing is original to the box. All thoughts welcome, thank you.

[R ingo]

Hello Peartree1234,

could it be a cricket cage?

(when you make google images search for "cricket cage brass" there are good examples to see)

Best regards, Ringo

[JLDoggett]

Maybe a tea infuser. For herbals or larger teapot.

[dragonflywink]

I'm with Jim, looks like a tea-ball (well, in this case a cube), have seen similar before...

~Cheryl