Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Hello readers!  Hope you are all staying warm in the month of December!  We’ve been very busy at the museum getting ready for new exhibits next year, so we apologize for the delay here on the blog. Thankfully we are back to Mystery Mondays!  

Here is the latest mystery object: 

Many years ago, on a day like today you might want to have one of these handy. They could be used in the house, or even when traveling.  Can you guess what it is?

The object is ceramic, half cylinder in shape and features a small brass screw top opening.  There is a decorative handle on either end of the object.  It is a little longer than a foot in size. 

Post your guess in the comments!