Small, spiral-ribbed, rectangular case with side-hinged lid. Notched, serrated bottom edge for striking matches. Gold-washed interior. Collar is struck incuse on one side with "STERLING" in sans serif letters to left of trademark "C" in a right-facing arrowhead; opposite side is lightly scratched with a series of numbers.
Maker is probably Carter, Hawkins & Sloan (1876-1902) or Carter, Howe & Co. (1902-1915) of Newark, NJ. Firm began as Pennington, Carter & Doaremus, c. 1841 and underwent multiple partnership and name changes, ending with Carter, Gough & Co. (1915-1922) at the time of its closure; the later companies used the same marks. Manufacturing jewelers; produced fine jewelry for the retail trade.