A curio that is stamped with the name 'Ransom' who is listed as a 19th century maker of dental and medical supplies. This item is something I've not seen before so I'm hoping a collector will confirm my best guess that it was for polishing the glass on a hand held dental mirror. The unmarked silver (tested .925 sterling) is prettily decorated with engraved arabesques so it was an item for personal use.
The handle isn't drilled for suspension but the piece is sprung so the two pads of leather can be depressed. An alternative suggestion is that it was for polishing the lenses on spectacles.
An unusual item! c1890
5.5cm long (2.25 inches)
Stock no. KT04