guess what it is

[didier]

I went to maison pelican to get new lights for the downstairs bedroom. I saw this piece that was outside next to a table. I asked if it was for sale and she said it belonged to the owner and would get back to me. I did buy it and I use it for the my candles. this was not the original purpose for this piece. I know what it was used for in paris in the early 20th century, but do any of you? trivia question for the day.

 

[KevinS]

I think that I do, but I will leave the answer for others. Nice patina on it.

 

[JEK]

I went to maison pelican to get new lights for the downstairs bedroom. I saw this piece that was outside next to a table. I asked if it was for sale and she said it belonged to the owner and would get back to me. I did buy it and I use it for the my candles. this was not the original purpose for this piece. I know what it was used for in paris in the early 20th century, but do any of you? trivia question for the day.View attachment 73807View attachment 73808

Looks like a French café pedestal piece from around 1900: a cast-iron bistro table base topped with a hinged copper globe. Pieces like this were used as lidded ash receptacles (smoking stands) or as pedestal spittoons in cafés and public buildings. Any markings under the base or inside the bowl could help pin down the maker. Either way, it makes a great candle lantern!

 

[didier]

its a sponge holder, they were used in most of the paris bistro's in the early days. they would wipe down the tables with sponges and put back into the sponge holder after to keep the sponge moist.

 

[KevinS]

its a sponge holder, they were used in most of the paris bistro's in the early days. they would wipe down the tables with sponges and put back into the sponge holder after to keep the sponge moist.

That’s what I thought.