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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: fn170 on February 02, 2009, 04:33:33 PM

Title: What is this?
Post by: fn170 on February 02, 2009, 04:33:33 PM

A friend of mine owns this and we cannot figure out what it is.   

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: railman44 on February 02, 2009, 06:21:27 PM

How about going into some detail as to what that multi-colored thing is in the center.  Is it a lid or is it stationary?  What's it made of?  What are the measurements of the piece in inches?  The piece has the Deco chrome look and it could be a representation from the machine age.  The only sure thing is the parrot perched.  Guessing, I would say it's from the 1930's. 

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: fn170 on February 02, 2009, 07:26:00 PM

The type of stone is unknown and it does not move.  The base is 1 & 7/16" across and it is 1 & 9/16" tall.  He thinks it is silver.

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: cogar on February 03, 2009, 04:15:13 AM

The wife guessed a "ring tree".

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: railman44 on February 03, 2009, 05:30:09 AM

Considering the size, I would say it's a name card holder.  It probably/maybe sat on a table close to the front door containing cards with the name in fancy script of the person living there.  Many times a silver bowl was used.  Cards, much like the business cards of today only with just the name, were exchanged as a proper part of introductions.  The mark on the bottom is probably some kind of silver maker's mark from Europe.  I don't know if I'm right but, the little piece is quite unique and neat.

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: D&b antiques on February 03, 2009, 06:56:12 AM

I Agree it look's  art deco.maybe we could get a sketch of the trademark?

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: KC on February 03, 2009, 10:04:45 AM

My vote is a card holder!  It holds the cards upright (functional) while you can still see the elements of the piece (ornamental).  The more I look at it, the more I like it.  Made for an adventurous person.

Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: dontbe on February 03, 2009, 09:13:04 PM

If its a card holder, its a poor one.
The stone would not allow the card to lean against all three pins. (It would "get in the way")

It appears silver to me.