This is a 19th century lignum vitae Go To Bed or protective match box. The top unscrews for storage of matches. The base is concave underneath where a piece of striker/glass paper would have been inserted to light the matches.
 
It measures 7.5cm h x 3.5cm w.
A match could be placed into a boss in the lid and would give enough light to go to bed hence the name. They were also used  as desk items for lighting wax sticks for sealing letters.