Why are brass cans nailed up in my hall closet?

Question

Hello,

I moved into an older house (1930's) recently and noticed there are 2 brass cans (have been painted over the years) nailed to the upper sides of my front hall closet. The one end of the can is sealed and the other end open. The open end is facing the wall and tacked into place. I pulled one down yesterday to see if anything was inside of it and there's nothing. I don't see the purpose.
Does anyone know what these might be and why they were put in place to begin with?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

My guess is that they were used for hanging up a specific item, not sure what it would be but that's my guess. Perhaps a certain kind of hat that just hanging it on a nail or hook might throw it out of shape?

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Answer 2

is there a room on the other side of the closet wall? thes may have been used to hear what was going on in the other room. didn't you ever do that as a kid?