Anyone have a clue WHAT this actually is?

Small pottery/porcelain piece, 2.5" long, 1.5" wide by 1.75" tall. Decoration is "raised" - appears to be enamel and under-glazed decal???

I have been using for decades to hold a menu on buffet tables, but I am sure it has/had an original use..................

anyone have any ideas?

ps - more photos to follow - I hate to clutter the "preview" page with so many photos!

 

More photos:

 

Maybe a napkin holder? Not sure, but that was my best guess.

 

Well I'll be the proverbial "Monkey's uncle." Sellers are calling these "Porcelain Toothpaste Floral Roller." I would never have guessed. Here is another made by the same company for sale on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Porcela...-GERMANY-Ges-Gesch-YELLOW-ROSES-/301064676193

Images of others:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hau...ed=0CCEQsAQ&biw=1143&bih=662&dpr=0.9#imgdii=_

--- Susan

 

I wasn't sure how it worked soooo looked around a little longer. Seems there should be a **roller** that fits inside this. I'm still not real sure how it works. Here are a couple with the rollers.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/182581559/vintage-lily-of-the-valley-design-the?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=toothpaste roller&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

and another that is calling it a toothpaste dispenser:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Porcelain-Toothpaste-Dispenser-Germany-Hausmann-ges-gesch-w-Turning-Key-/200924151815?nma=true&si=mvD%2BU1ofYtD3ajMgGLjVaNMRZgY%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Here is a patent with pic of operation of a 1980s one. Looks like the end of a tube of toothpaste is inserted and the roller/key is wrapped around the end to progressive roll the tube forcing the toothpaste up.
Click the diagram to see how the patented one works.
http://www.google.com/patents/US4301945

--- Susan

 

Wow - who'd a thunk? Thanks for that - and since most of the people I know would NEVER figure out that this is originally a "bathroom" piece, I will continue to use it on my dining table(s) and get a giggle with my "I know something you don't know" smile.....................

 

DOH! There is (and has been for YEARS) a plastic key in the junk box in the bathroom closet. Now THAT mystery has been solved as well...................

 

You know how they say......"either use it or lose it". I have to say.....WTG, Susan! What did you put in the search box? I'm sure it was way more than I would - Ceramic thingy with flowers on it and slit on top.

 

Wow. I never would have guessed.

Only on my second cup of coffee and I've already learned my "new thing for the day!"

 

I thought the Victorians had the monopoly on inventing insanely specialised gadgets for obscure purposes, clearly the urge to complicate the simple is alive and well.

"Would your husband be perfect if only he did not squeeze the middle of the toothpate tube? Introduce one of these to your bathroom. Marvel as his head explodes. Clean up. Remarry."

 

>since most of the people I know would NEVER figure out that this is originally a "bathroom" piece, I will continue to use it on my dining table(s) and get a giggle with my "I know something you don't know" smile.....................<

Welll, it beats being a porcelain toilet paper dispenser! Do y'all remember that query on the Antique Board about someone asking or listing a glass wine decanter that really was am antique or vintage female urinal bottle? I loved Wendy's reply ... something like... No, thank you, I'll pass on the wine!

<What did you put in the search box>

Hi, Sue and Sue! Delighted to have added a little educational humor with your morning coffee! I didn't think I'd have any luck on IDing this for didn't know what to call it. Sooooo alll I did was google the manufacturing info on the bottom and, Bingo, up popped all of them.

--- Susan

 

Nice of you to locate it and even NICER of you to point out how EASY it was to Google and get an answer Now I feel a complete dunce - as usual I was making a simple task more difficult!!!! Look! There goes Mansons - slinking off into the shadows so no one can see his flush of shame.................

Seriously, thank you. For both the ID and the morning giggle...........

 

LOL! I came late to the part as usual, but could've told you right off the bat what this was! I guess they must've been popular around here 'cause I've seen quite a few! I love that you put it on your dinner table, Mansons!