It is what they call a Talisman. It was worn as a necklace to protect the wearer. It contained a potion with powers/ability to protect or ward off evil spirts. It was medieval beliefs.
Most likely it was enclosed with a filigree holder with a chain. If not it could have been placed in a tiny pouch with a long cord to be worn hidden under clothing.
A second and later use could have been to hold a poison, concentrated perfume or a medicinal ointment. Again, worn underneath a shirt or blouse.
if you polish the metal, it is most likely pure silver.
I shined it up with a polishing cloth. It seems to be silver. And to think I implied it was a suppository! Smh
You should hold on to it and try and find out more. They appear to be very rare. I collect miniatures (hobby) and I have only seen one other which was silver and black onyx. One of my colleagues believe the little containers were handmade for the sole purpose of concealment, to hold opium for a the wealthy or doctor. Another colleague believes that it was akin to the ring that held a poison like hemlock. All good theories, but with such a small container the majority of us think it was a Talisman. The miniatures can sell anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. I hope the meaning is not lost to history. We may find more in England's journals. Good find.
I know he said that half of it was glass, but from the pictures my first thought was that it looked like an tigers eye stone.
I bet it could be multi-purpose! I live on the east coast of the US, if that's any help.
Miniatures sound neat! It makes me glad that the world is full of unique and wonderful items!
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