This is a Civil War Era metal cylindrical shaker can with concave top and bottom. The top is perforated. It is 2 1/2" tall and 2" wide. It was originally filled with sand or talcum. It was used to dry ink on paper or parchment. This one is in excellent condition and is scarce as most did not survive. A very similar item can be seen in a photo of President Lincoln sitting at his desk.
Inventory number: MIS 087 / Sold