this is also my dads some sort of matchstick holder, it's silver in colour even though it doesn't look it on the picture.
the bottom of it is were the matches would have been struck.
sorry not very good at describing these strange objects

hi loopy loo,
what your dad has is what is called a Vesta case.
Quite common at the turn of the 20th century. (1890-1910)
If it is silver and hall marked it is worth about £40 to £50 but if it was silver plated worth only £5 to £8
Thanks for posting the item on sgb.

thanks for the replys vanny will let my dad know.