HOPEFULLY this was something commemorative other than being used as a receptacle for ashes of the deceased. I am uncertain of the history of this rare item but it is marked "B," "1884" and "1909." It has patina and some pitting but overall is in nice condition for its age and it can obviously be used for whatever purpose you might have for it. We had this as a decorative item for numerous years and it was always a conversation piece. See pictures for more details, please. Thanks and happy shopping.