http://www.shakerworkshops.com/catalog/browse/shaker-oval-boxes/

Here is another one for you !! What this was used for is anyones guess !! I guess flint of some sort is a possibility !! Could have been a store box where they were sold.!! You didn`t give the size but I am guessing its one of the smaller boxes !! Some were used for button boxes !! Now days they are just decorative !!