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Hi Ian
I agree it is Old English, and I suspect it is from the unknown maker I have referred to in articles as OE2 - the canes are very similar, and the way the canes are drawn underneath is similar too.
As for what it might have been...a millefiori setup can be developed into all sorts of things such as a paperweight, bottle, tumbler, wine glass, jug...we have examples of all of theose from Arculus / Walsh Walsh. Perhaps it was an unfinished piece?
Alan