Good news and bad news.....
Alibaba did answer my email and said it was not one of the pieces that they make, and only sell in minimum lots of 500 to companies for promotional givaways. I think they thought I was asking to buy one more!! So they were good enough to answer and I am now plagued with emails about all their promotional goods!!
Nachtmann have just answered my email with the news that it was one of theirs, but the molds were broken ages ago as the product was discontinued. The contact was Michael Meier should any of you ever wish to ask Nachtmann a question about their glass.
So I now know who made it, but not why it was made or if it was a fantasy piece. But I do know that it is relatively old and will be quite rare, and so I am satisfied with that... for now.