Thanks Fernando, I did not really expect anyone to reply, I was just giving it a try. I think you are right, this a soldier in British service, German strips are different I believe. East or West Africa? that's a little more difficult. Here are more pictures of the stick part. It is clear that there are two tide marks where it has functioned as a dip stick in the past, as we all have at some time in our lives

. So I am not sure it is a tourist thing as yet.