Another wazzit from the Honey Hole here.... The only marking is a "Western Electric" decal on the lid. Has holes for wall mounting, which apparently it was, judging from the wall paint slopped onto the back side. Overall dimensions are 9" wide, 7.5" tall and 3" deep. There are cardboard inserts that cover the bottom and inside surfaces. The shell is steel.
Anyone know what this would have held originally?
My guess is a battery can for #6 dry cells. Sounds like a 3 cell can.
Just a guess,
Jim s.
Forgot to add the photos....
Yes, it is a case to hold batteries.
Here are three from eBay, one currently active and two sold. Yours seems to be in better condition than two of these.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Western-Electric-Telephone-Dry-Cell-Metal-Battery-Storage-Case-/232309350173
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-NORTHERN-ELECTRIC-TELEPHONE-METAL-BATTERY-BOX-NE-NIA-3-MADE-IN-CANADA-/122335499281
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Western-Electric-Telephone-Dry-Cell-Metal-Battery-Storage-Case-/122385721128
It's a rough value of what yours is worth. One never knows until it sells and how it was listed.
Thanks for the info, all. I warned you I was a rookie...