Topic: Unusual curiosity but what is it! Strange thing!!!

[glasskillian]

This item i purchased from auction described as a match holder although it might well be used for that im doutfull that was its original purpose, The item seems a little bit over engineered for that purpose to me. its small 3" wide 1.5" tall and appears to of been made from a slightly blue glass which is dispersed with lots of tiny bubbles then where the piece has been formed in the centre it has a nice colour thats been added a sort of crimson Nazeing maybe?? The base has a rough pontil scar and a thick ring or wear. On the inside is 4 small marks similar to pottery marks where they are mounted for decoration purposes?? Very odd piece of glass would love to find out anything about it i did feel it might be a frigger nailsea type?? The base is slightly pushed in and the piece has a good weight for its size. THANKS FOR LOOKING...

[glasskillian]

another angle

[petet63]

Looks like something would fit into it ? Maybe similar to a piano insulator. ?

[glasskillian]

 
Thankyou very saying about the insulator i did think it was a possibility too but ive never seen them this ornate before just pressed glass lumps worth looking into though, Not sure if its any help but i did get this in scotland maybe made in scotand ?? Looking again at it it doesnt have any wear inside wouldnt it have if a piano insulator.

[petet63]

Not having seen a Piano insulator I couldnt say this is what its for. It looks like it fits something in, maybe a smaller type of piano/organ. I will probably be very wrong, I am quite often lol, but It is an unusual looking object. It looks shallow to be a match holder and it doesnt seem to have an area to strike. Im sure a few more knowledgeable people will know on here.

[chopin-liszt]

 

I'd be very dubious about putting something very heavy (such as a piano) into a bit of bubbly glass!
It has corners, which further weaken its structural integrity.

I suspect you might be closer with a match, square-candle or toothpick holder.

[johnphilip]

Maybe the glass blower was bored with round tops on posie vases , simple as that .

[bigbri]

I had one in green glass similar to the kilner dumps and was informed it was for holding a moist sponge for a post office or office job for stamps etc before gum etc.cant say for deffo but its a thought .

[azelismia]

ashtray that had a beanbag insert with a metal top?

[glasskillian]

 
Thanks for all the replies the idea of it being for a sponge in a mail room sounds plausible would be a good for that do you still have the one that you had in yelow would love to see a picture of it? Thanks