Topic: Unsure what this piece is for

[Simmog]

Am new to glass collecting and found this piece at my local antique store.

Am a little baffled as to what it's main use might be.

The base is a brass stand

The glass top has a violetta 24% cut crystal sticker

Some suggestions were for a candle underneath but I am
Not convinced

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Paul S.]

hi, welcome to the GMB 

Believe Violetta is Polish, and currently being made?  -  not too sure though.         Perhaps someone from Poland can comment on this.                 
Certainly wouldn't think you'd burn a candle underneath - would go black quickly I'd think.
The shape of the glass is very similar to the glass shades that were used in the earlier part of the C20 on table or wall lights  -  only I think then they were used the other way up, and there was ventilation for obvious reasons.          The period shades had collared recesses to accommodate screws which held the bulb holder to the glass.
I'm wondering if the brass holder and glass do actually match.??

Would agree it's unusual, some obscure form of wasp trap maybe   

[glassobsessed]

A 'forced' marriage for sure.

John

[NMott]

It might have the same purpose as a crystal Lustre; to reflect external candle light on a dinner table.
(A candle inside would be quickly snuffed out).

[David E]

A 'forced' marriage for sure.

John

I agree - the metal frame would support a small (assumed from photo) dish, perhaps a bon-bon. A photo of the glass base might be helpful.

[Paul S.]

following on from these ideas of a dish  -  how about a larger 'bowl' shaped container.         The bottom would sit on that part which presently supports the glass shade, and the larger outer brass rim would support the sides of the bowl.