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I have an unusual canister, looks to be an opium jar? Three vignettes of a poppy flower. Appears to be gold plated inside. The bottom is engraved with a standard post-WWII Soviet Mark, with the M in the left corner signifying Moscow. Meanwhile, on both the bottom and the cap there is the marking "C45." I have really looked, but can't seem to find anything on it. Any help would be much appreciated.

One more try

Hello,

This mark is not C45, but СЧ5, first two letters of "Cеверная Чернь"- famous "Northern niello" jewelry factory in Great Ustyug city.
The mark СЧ used from 1960 to 1965 (СЧ1, СЧ2 ..СЧ5). This particular mark was used in 1965.
As for the purpose of the box, it could be either for sugar or tea (depending on it's size).
Or may be for small objects like jewellery.

Regards,
glenna

Some more to add.

Opium was an illegal product in USSR. Anyone can't even imagine the container for opium produced at the state's owned factory. It's nonsence.

If the jar is very small - it is sure "сольничка" - container for salt.
There is nice Russian tradition to meet and greet guests (or foreigners) with bread and salt. The small salt container have to be put on the bread loaf and offered to the guest
as a sign of respect and hospitality. In response, guest have to tear off a small piece of bread, put it into salt and eat. It's all about traditions.

Thank you, I appreciate the information. My statement about the opium was because the three engravings are all of the poppy flower in various stages. Your information about the use as a salt container was very helpful.

Mind my asking, but from where have you glenna got that about bread and salt? I have a totally different opinion regarding this Russian habit. To my understanding the guests bring with them rye bread and salt when they for the first time visit the new home of e.g. a just married couple. It is a symbolic gesture to wish good look and a happy future to the new house and the family. At least this is the habit here in Finland and we are very close to Russia with a lot of Russian habits still alive...

Sorry, I know I'm out of topic....but I just had to.

Hi Qrt.s -

in Finland the guests had to bring salt and bread (!) , hahaha...
in Russia it is vice versa! The guest is welcomed with salt and bread (common usage).

Regards
Postnikov

Interesting there you can see how habits can vary country by country. However, the Finnish habit is as I said only for the very first visit to a new home and not anymore during forthcoming visits.

Below here are the pictures illustrated this old Russian tradition.

Hi, all.

It not a saltcellar (solonka) . If volume about 200 ml, it is a box for tea (chainitca).
Look at a modern product:

About tradition "Bread-salt" - this is tourist show, usually.))))

Hello again,

Have to agree about the show.
Even a good old Rus tradition became a show nowaday.
"Everything for sale" is the main idea of the time of total consumption:((

As for the purpose of the object, I think, we can only make a correct statement if the post's author give us the sharp sizes.

If it is a very small object - " солонка" оr more informal "сольничка" (container for salt) (I do not insist, just make a suggestion),
if a bigger one - "цайница" ( for tea) or "сахарница" (for sugar).

Glenna