Unsolved Mystery Item - Small silver Box

I found this small metal box in a lot purchase and have been hunting down what it is ever since, at first I thought it might be a snuff box but it is very heavy ,too heavy I think for that purpose. If you look at picture 3 you can see two areas on the bottom where holes have been covered - it makes me think it may have been inside of something else & pulled or removed from the sleeve. Looking at the lion with a loop you have see all the details of the lion, there are small "dots" on each line of his face, and his eyes are detailed and expressive. The box is 2" x 1" exactly counting the lion it is 2 2 1/2" tall. The lid fits firmly and it creates a tight seal. There are no makers marks anywhere on the piece . It appears to be heavily plated silver and the lion is solid metal with hand finished details. I am in love with it and would love any ideas as to his history , help !!?? Thanks for looking !