[Helmer]

I assume this is military. I got it from my dad who found it in an antique shop in North Dakota. He said he liked the "holy hand grenade." Any idea what it is, who used it, and when would be appreciated.

 

[Len S]

Hi Helmer,
It's a type of dress cartridge box, the name of which escapes me at the moment
(that happens quite a bit these days). From the look of the flaming bomb and cross device I'd say it was pre-WWII Italian, for an artilleryman. Not the "Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch" unfortunately.

Best regards,
Len

 

[Helmer]

Thanks a lot, Len.

 

[car99]

From the detail and quality of that box I think it's mid 19th century. Swiss horse artillery?