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Hello everyone,

I am hoping someone can help identify this Japanese jewelry casket and, in particular, the workshop or maker's mark on the underside.

Description:

Approximately 4.5" × 4.5" × 3" (11.4 × 11.4 × 7.6 cm)
Weight: 2.2 lbs (approximately 1 kg)
Non-magnetic (refrigerator magnet does not stick)
Dark original-looking patina
Original red fabric lining
Hinged lid with relief decoration of what I believe are plum (ume) blossoms on an ishime (hammered) ground.
The body has four integral feet and matching blossom decoration on all four sides.
The underside bears an 8-character Japanese inscription (plus what appears to be a small circular punch mark). Unfortunately, I have not been able to identify or translate it.

I have searched auction archives and online references but have not been able to find another example with the same form or inscription.

I would greatly appreciate any help with:

Reading or translating the inscription.
Identifying the workshop or maker.
Dating the piece.
Identifying the likely metal (bronze, brass, or another copper alloy).

I've attached photographs


Thank you very much for any assistance. Any information or references would be greatly appreciated.

Inscription (engraved from right to left),
実用新案四七號○　Utility Model No.47 ○

As of the 7th character before the　mark ○、although the engraving showns signs of wear, based on the context and shape, it is undoubtely the character 號　"No."
"Utility Model" and registration number likely means that it is a metal craft with a design suitable for mass production, made between the late Meiji period and the early Showa period (pre-war).

With regards,
I.Nagy

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