Deep Purple Glass (#502 Variant )Train Candy Container

Description

This auction is for a recent discovery of mine. I realized right away that this was a glass candy container in a very unusual color. Clear glass is the normal, not black or deep purple. When held up to the intense midday sunlight you can see the color purple thru the wheels that are about 1/8" thick. You can only see the purple with the sun or a bright light. Otherwise it looks like solid black glass. The piece is not painted.
Using my reference book Collector's Guide to CANDY CONTAINERS I learned a few things and sort of identified it. I am an expert on antique bottles & some early American glass. Candy containers are not my specialty. I realize that there may have been additional discoveries and information learned over the last two decades.
Please note: This may be a reproduction. It may also be a genuine antique candy container of extreme rarity.
I will explain. This example is not clear glass and does not have any embossing such as PAT APP'D FOR.  The book mentions under history that 1876 was the beginning of the glass candy container. It also mentions that colors were used in the 1920's including amber. I am thankful for the section on reproductions. #502 is listed under reproductions with the small plain screw cap found in cobalt blue (maybe other colors). I
t also mentions no raised collar for closure.  My example has a raised lip on three sides of the open cab space that looks like it would allow a sheet metal closure to slide up into place.
My feeling is that it may have been a salesman's sample or an extremely early one that was made before the mold had any embossing added. If it is a reproduction it may be a rarity. It is short with lots of crudity and the length as is measures 3-1/2". Years ago I acquired an early L.G.WRIGHT round powder box with cover in a similar color from the late 1800's. May have been from the same glass house.
Condition: I have not washed the train, it has decades of dust remaining. There is damage. The cow catcher on the front of the engine is broken off. On the rear of the cab both top corners are chipped . There is no closure that may have had a label with significant information.  Please see all 12 pictures and make the right decision for yourself before bidding.
Priority mail shipping.