Hello! Does this thing have anything to do with smoking cigars or pipes? My uncle had this among his things and I'm trying to sell it on ebay but don't know what it is. He was a signalman in the navy and I thought maybe it had something to do with his ship - it looks a bit like a ships clock thingee or something but through research I see that Dunill made smoking products. Can anyone identify this thing? Thanks! Mary

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Cat1864

I haven't found anything like it yet, but I think it is a portable pipe ashtray.

The center "knob" would be used to knock the pipe against to empty ashes and unsmoked tobacco.

J_9

That's what it looks like to me too. My father had a similar one and he was a pipe smoker.

tickle

Alfred Dunhill was well known for ship's navigational equipment and I believe this is part of a compass, minus a few things. I dont know how you can sell it as it is. It would have contained oil or water to make the compass inside free floating to render an exact reading while being knocked about during rough seas.

tick

J_9

Could it be a compass turned into a pipe snuffer?

Cat1864

My first thought was compass, too.

Dunhill certainly had his hands in a lot of different items from car accessories to clocks.

Did he have any other pipes or pipe related items?

edit to add: Check with classic/antique car enthusiasts.

marvelus49

Thanks to all who answered this questions - I've posted it on ebay as a pipe ashtray - we'll see what happens! Mary

Cat1864

Good luck. Maybe a prospective buyer will have a better idea of what it is.

tickle

I think you have made a wise choice, good luck !

tick

Harvey Staub

You ed up.why ?