Cup with strange handle or attachment

[LoraLynn]

Description:

Electro Plate Brass from Italy (obvious from the mark). Height is 9 inches and the cup diameter is 3.75 inches and the cup stands 1.5 inches high. There is a thumbscrew that allows the attachment to be removed from the cup. Not sure if the picture even has the attachment in the correct position or not. "Handle" can be placed upside down from the picture and/or rotated 360 degrees.

Questions:

Any ideas as to what this object is?
Any idea as to what it was used for?
How about the period it was made?

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[2209patrick]

My guess is a wine bottle holder.

Pat.
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[LoraLynn]

Thanks Pat, I never thought of that!
Now that you say it, it seems obvious.

Thanks,
Lori
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[admin]

yep, you have the handle on backwards. Here's a more complex 1890's version, thanks to google patents.
http://www.google.com/patents?id=DFBAAA ... 713&num=20
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[byron mac donald]

Hello-

How about the PM Italy mark? who is the maker?

Regards
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