I just can't figure it out!

[janel-lovett]

First I thought it was a toothbrush holder, but the holes are too small. Then I thought, maybe a pencil holder, but what would the large hole in the middle be for? A standard size pencil will fit in 4 of the 5 small holes. My boyfriend said a candle holder, but then what are the little holes for, incense maybe? My son said an artist brush holder. It is 3" across, about 2 3/4" tall. Engraved on bottom is "JAPAN" It was tarished, but must be silverplate, the inside looks like Pewter to me. Thanks for looking!
We are all dumbfounded...


Thanks too all the silver detectives! Janel[/url]
.

[greatmom]

My first thought would be an incense burner.
.

[janel-lovett]

Perhaps, but I still don't know what the large hole in the middle is for. There was no candle wax when I found it, hmmmmm.
.

[2209patrick]

Maybe an inkpot? Inkpots were often fitted with liners, ceramic or glass.
The small holes would hold quill pens. Don't know what the large, center hole was for.



Regards,
Pat.
.

[SusanWhite]

Hi, all...

I'm thinking that's an excellent guess, Patrick. Maybe the big hole was a holder for the wax seal to stamp the envelope? Sometimes they were mounted on rings or came with a little attached handle.

Just a thought....

Susan
.

[Granmaa]

Perhaps, if Patrick's right, the large hole might be for a pen wipe as with this item:
http://www.bexfield.co.uk/05/g055.htm

Miles
.

[janel-lovett]

Thank you all for your input! I believe you are on the right track.
This seems to be the best idea, so far.
If anyone else has something similiar, I would love to see it.
For now, I am going to go with "ink pot"!
Still undecided on the hole, but wax seal or pen wipe could easily apply.
It is such a curious object, and fun to learn more to appreciate its unique purpose.
Thanks Guys! (and Gals)
Janel
.

[Granmaa]

The centre hole could of course be for the ink pot, and the jar itself just a container for writing equipment like spare nibs or a quill knife perhaps.

A bit like this example:
http://www.drawrm.com/3057.htm
.

[2209patrick]

Yes, I think Miles pinned it down with that last post.

Pat.
.

[janel-lovett]

Thanks for your interest, everyone!
I think the mystery has unfolded nicely.
I guess I am to understand that the ink pot fits into the hole, then, like a seperate attachment. ? ! .
Now that I have examined the inside closer, it does appear to have some darker bluish staining on most of it, like it fell sideways and got all but the top half covered inside.
Thanks Again for all your help!
Janel
.