Bullet Container? Mystery?
 

Hello everyone. Well, I finally bought one of these out of curiosity. There are a few of these that are offered for sale on Ebay. These small containers are described for carrying bullets, grease, patches, etc. These are too small to carry pre-made cartridges. And I don't believe these were used to carry greased patches and the like. The body and lid are cast brass. The crude casting does look old. I don't think these items would have much Tourist interest.
So, my question is: Does anyone know what these were actually used for?
Any help appreciated. Thanks, Rick.

Rick,

Storing grease is possible. It may have also been used for storing caps for percussions locks.

Regards,
Teodor

Hi TVV. I also thought maybe percussion caps. But the vast majority of that area all but skipped the percussion era, due to their high cost and scarcity. Jumping from the flintlock to self contained cartridge. There seem to be too many of these small containers around to have been used for percussion caps. But maybe flints :shrug:
Well, maybe some others have ideas? Thanks, Rick.

Its probably a lime container from Southern Asia, as used in the consumption of betel.

Hi Colin. As strange as that sounds to me, it actually makes more sense. Thanks. Rick.

Salaams all ~ I have a picture somewhere of these items in a Syrian publication and will post asap..For caps/ flints I suppose. :shrug:
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Salaams rickystl I think these are related ...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hi Ibrahiim! Thank you very much for the photo. I will save it in my library. I notice the three containers on the top row which are the typical Ottoman brass containers to hold combustible cartridges. The bottom row showing a fourth container, powder flask, and yes - two small containers. They do all seem related. I'm now more convinced these small containers were used to carry pre-knapped flints. And maybe percussion caps if available.
Thanks again for your help. Most appreciated. Rick. :D

Additional gun related objects
 

Rickystl, I just looked at this container on an Ottoman belt? seeing a khol like substance I thought of your very similar item, but, now I'm seeing the same gummy on black grease on other items on the belt. I hope adding this to your post will renew the quest for the uses of these items and gives us some answers.

This belt of Turkisk origins has a couple of pieces that puzzle me as to their
actual use the round brass case looks like the older Islamic watches found
in Turkey. How was this tube used. Did it carry rolled up messages?

Steve

Bullet Container
 

Hi,
Hello, Anthony Tirri, in his book "Islamic Weapons", says it is a Bullet container and in Robert Elgood "Arms of Greece" i found an oil Picture dated from 1850 with the followin detail

Dirk