Topic: Auction mystery

[Antwerp1954]

Can anyone work out what the object on the left is?

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/mellors-and-kirk/catalogue-id-2899595/lot-23008649

Thanks

[Paul S.]

might it be a trick glass of some kind  -  if the glass isn't tilted at the right angle or speed, then the contents exit the bowl suddenly, and the drinker is soaked?
It looks to be the same principle as the yard of ale - a bulbous end with the drink reaching the mouth via a funnel shape.
Just guessing really though.  

[pamela]

another guess: tester, used during distillation process ? 

[Wuff]

I cannot be sure from just this image - but to me the "ball" seems to be closed off, just a "design feature", not connected to the upper part of the glass containing the liquid.

[chopin-liszt]

I've looked again carefully, and I agree with you, Wuff. Well spotted.

I had wondered if it was for something that smelt nasty, medicine of some sort, but gave up on that idea because of the suspicion that it wouldn't work - along the lines of covering the drinker with the contents rather than dispensing them.

[oldglassman]

Hi ,
           Paul S gets the coconut but I got the glass  , yes its a trick goblet, here is one I already own ,

cheers ,
              Peter.