Have you ever seen anything like this?

I was given this item by a friend who purchased it at an Estate Auction. After talking to numerous individuals over the last month and an extensive search on the internet, I can't find any info. Individuals say they have never seen anything like it. The person that bought it says the auctioneer didn't even know what it was. I believe it's a candle oil lamp as I found glass orbs of the same size on Amazon. However, I don't know what verbiage to use to find this thing. I don't know it it's vintage or not. It feels like painted plaster. It stands 9.5" with the orb in place and 8.5" with the orb removed. The base is 5" and the sticker at the bottom has been removed over time. The glass orb is is 3" wide and tall. I'm obviously not using the correct verbiage or something, because it is impossible for me to find. I appreciate anything you might be able to tell me. I don't know if I should call this a cherub and angel or what?

 

I do remember my Mother had a cherub bowl that was similar to this. There was no clear globe on it though. She used it for potpourri in the guest bathroom but I believe hers was a soap dish.

 

I suspect it's a marriage. Here's something similar sans glass ball.

Debora

 

The globe looks like a Christmas ornament

 

a marriage? I don't understand, I'm sorry

 

A "marriage" is a term used in the antiques world to describe two elements that originally didn't start out together but somehow ended up together.

There are many cherub pedestal soap stands floating around the internet but none holding a glass ball. And the ball doesn't seem to serve any purpose. Therefore, it's likely that, at some point, someone placed the ball there because it fit and it's been there ever since. Confusing all.

Debora

 

ahhhhhh....makes total sense!

 

It does, doesn't it? The most likely explanation.

Debora

 

I will search for that

 

?

Debora

 

for the soap holder I mean....sorry