tasman
Just another Squirrel
Ashtray!
That was what I was thinking.
I actually saw one at a cigar shop in San Jose once. The guy who was making them lined the wooden box with brass, cut out cigar rests and lined them with brass as well. He then put a piano hinge on the lid and attached a small brass chain to keep the lid from opening a full 180 degrees. Very nice looking (and I am sure my description is nto doing it justice) and I am thinking of giving it a try myself. The trick is of course cutting the brass (1/16 in thick) and bending it to fit the cut out cigar rest. Other than that it should be a fairly easy project.
I would have just bought one but the guy wanted something like $180 bucks for it. It was nice but not THAT nice.
Holly shiznit it is awesome but I am with you! I will make it for that much!

Let me know how it works out J?