Sterling box by Topazio - function? + mystery mark of Inkwell/Quill with F

I believe this comes from Topazio in Portugal. I'm trying to figure out the symbolic mark in the square cartouche shown in the 2nd picture. It looks like an Inkwell with a Quill coming out of the top, with the letter F at upper left. I haven't been able to find any example of this mark. It is not the Topazio trademark, but perhaps an older mark?

I'm also trying to determine if this box had any special function. It measures 3-1/2 inches on each side and weighs 595 grams. It has a shiny gold exterior, although in places it is worn through revealing the underlying silver (especially at the edges). Our staff thinks it may be a Tea Caddy, or less likely, a Trinket Box. The box has an unusual characteristic. It can be balanced on any of its (flattened off) corners.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you! ... Dave

 

Actually a shiny gold surface inside and out.

 

I suspect tobacco. Too small for tea.

 

Good thought! I don't think of tobacco so much anymore, with smoking out of favor these days, but that sure makes sense.

 

Wouldn't necessarily have any purpose other than as a decorative geometric box (shape is a truncated cube). The 'F/inkwell & pen' trademark was used by Topazio (Ferreira Marques & Irmão) from 1934 - personally, would guess mid 20th century or maybe even a bit later dating on this piece. They're still in business, don't know if they answer questions from secondary market sellers, but it doesn't hurt to ask: http://topazio.pt/#/en/contacts

~Cheryl

 

Thanks Cheryl! I guessed it was them, but hadn't been able to find any example online of their earlier trademarks. Thank you for the confirmation. We'll give the direct contact a try, and see what they say. ... Dave

 

With the wear on most of the edges , I'd say this guy was tossed around a lot...

 

That's for sure - it would have taken a lot of handling to wear through the plating. Fortunately no bumps or dents. I'm thinking tobacco (or cigarettes) based on the wear -- a heavy smoker might have picked it up 40+ times a day for many years.

 

Did you scan the inside with a spy glass to check for residue of any kind ?

 

Yes, haven't seen (or smelled anything). I don't think a tobacco smell would linger the way it would in a wooden box.

 

Maybe not but from what I can see of the interior , I would expect any loose fluffy object to get stuck in the crease between sides..