Kyle,

What a bargain for $5! It is obviously handmade copper and made in Chile. Requerdo Chile is Spanish for Remember Chile literaly. It probably means that it is a rememberance of Chile or a souvenier of Chile. The embosing on the top is the coat of arms of Chile. Where your box says Republica de Chile, the actual coat of arms says "Por lar Razon o la Fuerza" which translates "By Right or By Force".

I agree that it is probably a cigar or cigarette box.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing it with us.

Hey--great deal on a cool box! It's probably not worth a lot, but to buy something similar would be more than $5! I bought a massive Chilean copper pot at Kobey's swap meet a month ago for $50. Again, not an antique but very cool for the money.

I came across more info on this cigar box.

"Chilean Coat of Arms" History:

In June 24th, 1834, Wood Taylor's new design for the coat of arms was approved.
The motto: "Por la razón o la fuerza" was added only in 1920.
The design became the national coat of arms that is used to this day.
On October 18th, 1967, a Supreme Decree declared it a National Symbol.

This coat of arms consists in the foreground a condor-the strongest bird of the Chilean skies, and a ″Huemul″- a South Andean Deer, the most distinctive animal of Chile.
Both animals wear naval crowns on their heads, which symbolize Chile's maritime renown. A crest consisting of three feathers crowns the coat of arms. These feathers were historically what the Presidents of the Republic placed in their hat to distinguish themselves.

From Flag Website

I am still wondering about the "Republica De Chile." There is no mention of this specific motto. I'm assuming this box was made prior to 1920, but how long before still remains a mystery to me.

I would not put alot of weight on the design of the coat of arms to help you identify age of your box. It is much easier to chase in the word "Republica de Chile" instead of "Por la razón o la fuerza". Which Translates "By reason or by force".