Thank you, JLD! Your expert explanation is so sound and specific. Mystery resolved. Must have been a space-saving choice in the cabinets. I appreciate the time you took to answer this. The handled item is very rococo in style. what you are calling a base is mid-century modern, If intended to go toge...
I know what you mean about the proportions and the awkwardness, but all 12 cups in the service come with the same stand. No saucers. And they "lock" together. Hence the mystery! Any glass liners are long gone.
Does anybody know the original purpose of this small sterling cup with an opening in the base and matching stand? (Part of a full set.) Photos below. There are also matching bowls and saucers visible in the background of one of the photos. The bowls have openings in their bases, too. https://imgur.c...