Very old Case..need help!!

Found this cool old Case told it was civil war era... Rifle case? Age? .. really would love to know. Tried to include as many pics as possible so maybe someone might be able to help. Any info or thoughts would be appreciated!! Lock is from very old company Eagle Lock Co.. love the craftsmanship and jointed top!

Thanks
Brad

 

May be a carpenter's tool case.

 

Didn't think of that!

 

it could have held some scientific field equipment...

 

Without knowing the measurements it could be very tricky.

I think it's for either...

Rifle.
Surveyor's equipment.
Naval telescope.

...or possibly something else that none of us have thought of. Like pixie stilts, or something.

 

If it has the original hardware, it cannot be before 1833 because that's when Eagle Lock Co. was founded.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Lock_Company

 

I am thinking this is a case someone made up using old trunk hardware. Note the screws holding the lock on. Would not really be secure done this way. Should have been pinned in if done correctly.

 

Even more reason it may be a carpenter's chest but hopefully he was better at that than this now appears. Perhaps it was re-purposed later by someone else to hold and lock up guns.