Metal "envelope"

[Wiggysgirl]

My son found a metal envelope with a clasp on it - he found it in our yard in Western PA.
It is all metal and looks similar to an envelope inside. It is about 6 1/2" long and 1/2" deep.
It has a stamp of BENTLEE and Made in USA.

Any ideas?

 

[Tony Two-Cent]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm drawing a blank on this one. It's very cool looking, whatever it is!!

My Google search turned up nothing. Best of luck identifying it.

 

[Digger_O'Dell]

I'm usually pretty good at identifying items like this but nothing so far. A real challenge here.
Maybe a photo of the back might shed some light on its purpose which may narrow down the search.
Our notation I did find was a financial disclosure from Bentlee Manufacturing Company Inc. of Rhode Island 1920

 

[fyrffytr1]

I found a reference to a piece of jewelry marked Bentlee by Ben Felsenthal & Co, Ny, Ny. The mark was used first in 1917. Maybe this is a woman's purse or something along those lines.

 

[del]

It reminds me of a late Victorian cigar or cigarette case

 

[Ill Digger]

Definitely a odd piece. I was thinking along the lines of a woman's billfold like fyrffytr. I'll keep poking around.

 

[Wiggysgirl]

Thanks everyone for your input. Here is a picture of the back It is pretty plain.

 

[Full Metal Digger]

I like Del's idea of a cigarette case but the width makes me think of a currency holder. Try putting a dollar bill in there and see how well it fits.

 

[The Rebel]

Tough one for sure. That metal flap is definitely made for holding paper. I'm guessing it's from the 1920's 1930 art deco period based on the type face & design.

 

[DavidGC]

I think it's a woman's "envelope clutch" purse.

 

[bamaart]

The closest reference that I could find are of some tobacco products out of Ireland, may want to look into that further.