Picture this...

[Wiirone]

Sorry but I can't include a photo yet! An object made of wood with twisted grain like olive wood, in the shape of an oversized but traditionally-shaped pawn chess piece. The very top piece detaches (the small ball-shaped bit) to reveal a small, flattish, circular orange piece of glass like a button with a circular curved depression in it. Both parts have this so that when they are pushed back together the glass 'buttons' are hidden but facing each other. The glass bits don't move or appear to do anything. The piece seems otherwise solid and looks like it was turned on a lathe. It's about 6cm/2.5 inches high and 4cm/1.5 inches diameter at the base.
It came from my Grandfather via my late father so it must be at least 50 years old. I have no idea what it's called or it's purpose.
Any ideas?
Thanks

[Jemisa]

No can't help. Could be a piece of driftwood carved.

jem

[vulcan]

I'm wondering if it is an actual pawn and has been modified for when a pawn is promoted. The top is removed and the piece of glass denotes it is now a queen or whatever the player decides on.

[boxtops]

that sounds feasible, vulcan.

[Wiirone]

That's possible vulcan42 but then the glass button is in the top piece too which you wouldn't use on the chessboard. I thought at one time that it might be a pill-maker like old fashioned chemists used to use by moulding when the two parts are pressed together but it would only make one at a time and the object's shape seems a bit elaborate for that.