There would have to be a pathway where the clay is unglazed both in the container and in the bottom !! More likely moisture would evaporate before ever reached the tobacco !!

I don’t know about the moist sponge in the hole comment, the more I think about it – ha! Goodnight….

http://www.amtreasures.com/ItemDetail_Item_ME0201.aspx

Is this from your family ?? I am not an expert,, but that would be my opinion !! I will do some additional research !! The link has one made similarly from Austria and unmarked as well !! Will find more tomorrow for comparison !! The one above says Vintage and is likely same era,,1940 or 1950`s !!

I would say no older than 1930 but more likely mid century !! See the large hole on the bottom ?? That is to keep it from exploding in the kiln !! Before 1920 or about they used a very small hole !! The large hole is a modern manufacture !! And as I said in another post,, the foot does not show the wear it should have for that date !! Remember that foot is unglazed and porous,, it will absorb anything in the air !! I do not care how clean one tries to be ,, that is unavoidable !! Even when one dusts today,, rarely do they touch that part of pottery !!

The larger number would be the mold number,, the next would likely be the factory size designation,,and they do not always make sense to me,, the black is the decorators number or initials or whatever they choose to use !! That is why they are a different color from the factory marks !!
Where did you get this item ?? Its not a very old piece !!