The shape of a shell case lends itself to the construction of these miniature coal scuttles, perhaps intended as sugar holders for the dinner table. Simply cutting out a section from the side of the shell, adding a handle and some feet will produce the most basic example.
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Naturally, design and detail are then taken further. Elaborate designs on the cut out are common. Having a handle on the base of the shell, in addition to the top handle, means small shovels can be added. These shovels are usually either all brass, shaped into a shovel, or a brass shovel section with a bullet tip for a handle.
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There are also examples with a hinged lid covering the cut out section, taking the intricacy, and rarity, one step further.
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