Here's one of my Mysteries--what do you think it is

I am so excited to be able to pick so many knowledgeable brains!
Here is one of my "finds" that I have no idea what it is...it was just interesting to me.
So, what do you think it is?
Thank you for any help
Connie

 

I'm having a hard time making out the various "parts" of your "whatever it is."

What was it purported to be when it was sold (or given to you)????

Heavens to Betsy, I can't wait for others to respond with either an answer or more questions.

Is it a wind-up key? Does it make contact with anything from the bottom up and does it "turn"?

Photo #2 -- is that a "push button" in the bottom?

Photo #3 -- where was the "key" before you took Photo #3?

Photo #4 -- is that a photo with the "key?" engaged into the bottom of the "object"? Is it a wind-up key? Does it make contact with anything from the bottom up and does it "turn"?

Does the "vase???" play music if the "key" is turned?????

Does anything happen if/when the key engages and turns inside the whatever-it-is?

 

It is just as it looks...it doesn't do anything, the key looking thing looks more like a hook to me and it is attached to the bottom button. It really doesn't pop up much past the rim of the object. All of your questions were perfect, I've been curious about this for the longest. I got it at a thrift store and THEY didn't know what it was. I just like odd things.

 

Does the bottom piece screw on a thread to extend or draw the key closer inside?

 

No, it just allows the hook to stay put inside the "vase". you can hear the hook rattle inside, and the only thing I can tell about the bottom piece is that it holds the hook inside. It's the base, with a long straight metal piece that has a hook like on the end. It seems that it would catch something, but I have no idea. The hook does not come above the top of the "vase", just right below it.
Hope that isn't confusing anyone.

 

Connie Osborne, before I forget it here is a big "Welcome" to the Antiquers group.

I'm so glad you posted this object. It really is a puzzle to me.

What a way to make an "entrance" on the Antiquers Board!!!

 

Oh wait...thanks to your question, bobsyouruncle, I did try to unscrew the base, and it all came out. VERY little threads, it took a while, here are all the components taken apart. I have never even TRIED to take it apart before...duh!

 

I'm stepping out of this thread because I have no idea(s) but . . . I do want to say that you have supplied great photos!!!!

 

I think it's the base of something and the top portion is missing. I've seen similar cupped connectors holding tiered tidbit plates together. The hook might have slipped inside the bottom hole on something like a figurine to hold it in place. I've seen similar gizmos used to attach figurines to lamp bases.

 

Thank you...that is a great explanation or guess-- it makes sense!

 

I have this dish:




which has this pedestal:




which has this fastener on the bottom:



Sorry, I really don't wish to disassemble the entire piece, but I think the visual is pretty conclusive.

 

Can't get more concussive than that !!!! ........

 

If my piece were to be put in a concussive situation I would not shed a tear. The sticky, sickly, sweet pastoral scene makes me slightly ill and I only use the dish if I have a paper doily to line the dish....................

 

WOW!!! Yall are GREAT!!! I can't believe this--
So great to get to be a part of such a wonderful community of people and LEARN so much! THANK YOU to ALL of you!!! This is GREAT!

 

WOW!!! Yall are GREAT!!! I can't believe this--
So great to get to be a part of such a wonderful community of people and LEARN so much! THANK YOU to ALL of you!!! This is GREAT!

 

Sorry for the double post--I was just so EXCITED!!

 

I may have neglected to welcome you to the board.............but then again I may have! But to cover myself, allow me to welcome you and thank you for "bringing us mysteries" - we love it!!!

 

I would hazard to guess your item could also be desirable at on line auction.
Since you have discovered what it is, I'm sure there are folks that could
possibly need a replacement piece such as yours.

 

Welcome, Connie! Glad you found us!

 

Good thought, I'm sure this is a probability! Just be certain to give EXACT measurements (in both inches and centimeters) of both the pedestal and the hook. This is one of those cases where size DOES matter.............