The only thing I know about this thing is that it is really rare. It is silver plated and marked by Poole. The engraving on the lid reads,Harrahs Tahoe, South Shore Room, New Year 1971, Starring Burt Bacharach. It's 7.5" wide and 9.75" long and 2.5" tall. The only thing I can figure out it might have been used for was to collect ashes and butts from the tables in the show room instead of switching them out. OR maybe it was an after dinner mint holder. You tell me!!