Antique Etched Metal \"Where\'s My\" Collar Button Stud Box Ornate, Hinged, Footed For Sale

This is an ornate antique etched/engraved metal \"Where\'s My\" collar button stud box, hinged, footed, with an applied collar stud button as a pull to open this very interesting and nostalgic trinket box.
Description:

Offered is a wonderful and unusual antique “WHERE’S MY” hinged collar-button/stud box, dating approximately to the turn of the 20th century, circa 1900–1910.

The hinged lid is beautifully decorated with elaborate hand-chased/engraved scrollwork and floral ornament surrounding the prominently engraved words:“WHERE’S MY”.

The box has an ornate repeating geometric/floral pattern covering the sides and part of the bottom. a raised ball-shaped lid pull in the shape of an old collar stud, and four spherical feet.

These small “Where’s My” boxes are associated with the period\'s humorous men\'s-accessory tradition and were made to hold collar buttons, studs, cuff links or other small personal accessories.

Historical Interest:

The “Where’s My” collar-button box is a particularly interesting piece of early-20th-century material culture. Surviving examples are documented in connection with several major American expositions, including the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, 1904 St. Louis World\'s Fair and 1915 San Diego Exposition.

The 1904 St. Louis example is specifically described in an sale catalog as an aluminum collar-button box measuring approximately 3½\" × 2\" × 1\", with “WHERE\'S MY” and a World\'s Fair 1904 inscription. Other surviving examples are known in decorative plated-metal construction.

This particular box does NOT have a visible World\'s Fair or exposition inscription, so I am not representing it as a specific World\'s Fair souvenir. Its elaborate decorative treatment and construction appear to place it within the same early-1900s “Where\'s My” collar-button/stud box tradition.

Material:

The exact metal composition has not been professionally tested.

A magnet does adhere to the body/sides and bottom, while it does not adhere to the lid, indicating that the box appears to incorporate different types of metal.

Because no readable manufacturer\'s or silver hallmark is visible, I am not representing this as sterling silver or solid silver. The metal has been left in its antique condition and has not been aggressively polished.

Approximate Dimensions

Length/width: approximately 3½\"
Depth: approximately 1½\"
Height: approximately 1½\" including feet

Please use the photographs for additional dimensional reference.

Why Collectors May Find It Interesting

• Early 20th-century men\'s accessory item
• Unusual “WHERE\'S MY” inscription
• Ornate engraved/chased lid
• Elaborately patterned metal body
• Four ball feet
• Hinged construction
• Likely intended for collar buttons, studs or cuff links
• Interesting connection to the history of World\'s Fair-era “Where\'s My” boxes
• Attractive antique patina

A great addition to a collection of antique men\'s accessories, Victorian/Edwardian boxes, early metalwork, World\'s Fair-related ephemera, or unusual advertising/novelty objects.

Condition: Pre-owned antique condition. The box shows appropriate age-related wear, oxidation/patina, surface discoloration and minor scratches/wear to the decorative metal. The lid and hinge function. The four ball feet are present. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description.

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