Antique Amer. Sterling Corn Cob What-is-it?

[fashion.fashoff]

i picked this up today and am lost as to what it is.
it is american sterling silver, c. late 19th/early 20th. the mark is S STERLING, which looks similar to Shepard Mfg. Co.'s mark.
it is a 3D corn cob shape measuring about 4 3/4" high.
there is an aperture at the top and the bottom opens as shown.
it is possible that something is missing at the top.
does anybody have any ideas?

[AG2012]

Hi,
Corn salt or pepper shaker.
Very common in ceramics.
The perforated top is missing (I think).
Regards