Bernard
In reading your comments, I got the feeling you were talking about the metal as being the elaborate, tall, black holder. THAT was bought at an antique shop that sells modern Christmas tree ornaments and they had numerous display holders, costing $3 US each. The part I am referring to (that had the initials) is the little gray cap with the metal loop that attaches to the Kugel, so that it can be hung from the big black display holder.
I just received an email from another person who thought this was most likely a 'crib' or backyard piece, never in regular production from a factory. I have a few of those type pieces, but did not think of it immediately when I found this piece.
A mold was used to make the opalescent spot pattern (when the gather was about the size of a chicken egg), but after it was put in the glory hole to achieve the opalescent treatment, it was then blown free of any mold.
Dave (aka: Mr. Vaseline Glass)