19th Century Continental Coin Verifier

A brilliant little 19th-century curiosity, likely Continental European in origin — this cast brass object was used to verify the authenticity of coins. It features a series of graduated recesses for different denominations, along with a central testing area where coins could be tapped with a striker to judge sound, weight, and size.
 
While unmarked, two of the recesses appear to match mid-to-late 1800s European coins — likely a French franc bearing Napoleon III, and a German mark from the time of Kaiser Wilhelm I. The third size remains a bit of a mystery, but may correspond to Swiss or Austro-Hungarian currency.
 
The striker is still attached beneath the base — likely worn down or shortened from its original length, but still present and a rare survival.
 
Probably used by a banker, jeweller, or merchant, it’s the kind of tactile, functional item that’s both clever and beautifully made. The patina is rich and untouched, and the whole thing just feels satisfyingly solid in the hand.
 
Perfect for lovers of numismatics, odd tools, or just objects with a bit of mystery.
 
Condition: Excellent - age related wear
Size: W 8.5cm (9.25 w/ stricker) x H 2cm