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This is a late Victorian cylindrical brass sovereign coin holder/tube, designed to hold and protect a stack of 20 British gold sovereigns.
History
British gold sovereigns (and half-sovereigns) were the standard circulating gold coinage from the Great Recoinage of 1816 onward, through the reigns of Victoria, Edward VII, and into George V. They were widely used for larger payments, savings, and trade.
To carry or transport them securely without scratching the soft gold, specialized holders and cases were made. These ranged from small personal fob-style cases (often spring-loaded for one or two coins, worn on a watch chain or Albert chain) to larger multi-coin tubes or cylindrical holders. The latter were practical for banks, messengers, or individuals moving stacks of coins—protecting them from wear and making counting easier.
The central brass body has a hinged top with a slot (typical for inserting/removing or securing the stack), while the black cylindrical pieces appear to be protective outer caps or sleeves (one marked “20,” indicating capacity for 20 sovereigns).
