I just can't remember this one.

Protector of some kind, coal minors?

Clue me back in if you can.
Thanks,

I think it's a "snuff box"....what do the outside surfaces look like?

I have seen something similar used by coal miners to keep their pocket watch in when they went under ground but the ones I have seen had a glass window so you could see the time without opening the case. The idea was to keep the coal dust out of the watch. Not sure how it would work if you have to open the case every time you want to know the time.

I feel pretty confident that it's a watch protector but I'm also sure that I have seen this connected to a conversation about it too, and I can't remember where I have seen it before. It was some time ago, and the first thing I thought of what the watch protector used in the mines but it looks different than what they look like, at least the ones I remember.

this is the outside of the case.

Shiela, Your case looks much like the Primus Watch Case I have which will comfortably hold a large 16s watch. The only differenc ebeing my case has a "window" to see the time.
Primus Co. is well known for their VERY miniature camp stove that was actually designed to also keep one from freezing to death "in a pinch".

Closed case