Does anyone know what this is?

Hi, I recently came across something in one of our old boxes but I’m not sure what it is. It appears to be brass and has slight tarnish on the top. It opens up from the middle and the inside is hollow. If anyone could help, I would appreciate it!

 

Hello, Minnow. What is the size? From design, looks like an incense burner, something that way. Can you show us the inside? Great job on the photo BTW.

 

Now that I think of it, you could be right! It’s about 5 and a half inches tall, the rounded center part fits in the palm of my hand.

 

I was afraid you were going to say it is 18 inches high & then would have had to rethink. Others may weigh in with thoughts on more specific use & country of origin.

 

Thank you so much! It’s sorta cool to think how shiny it must’ve been beforehand lol. I’m grateful for your help!

 

When I was a kid I remember the priest swing these incense burners during mass - of course they were a bit bigger.....

 

Is thurible the right word? Just popped into my head.

 

Well how bout poppin' out the meaning of "thurible"

 

I didn't feel like looking it up but brain cells connected the word with one of those swinging censers they use in some church services. It's such a Dr. Seuss word.

 

Well crap - my interest piqued - and now such a letdown.

AHHHHHH .... a little "Gumshoe"...............
"A thurible is a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services. It is used in Christian churches"

 

Try saying 'thurible' five times fast.