What is it?

I was looking through some older sales on ebay and came across one I missed the first time through. However, the item has me wondering since I have never seen this before. The base piece was the typical decorated Taylor Tunnicliffe potery base with the Clarke marking on the inside of the candle holder, but it has a matching top rather than the typical glass dome. Below is one of the photos from the auction.

The auction ended on november 8th and is auction number 310178863816 out of the UK. In the description, it says both pieces are marked on the bottom with 1443 and the TTC mark. If I'm correct, these pieces didn't start out together as one is a lamp base and the other is something like a toothpick, match or flower holder in a matching pattern. If anyone has seen this piece, and can verify my thinking, please respond and let me know.

It never ceases to amaze me that we still continue to learn from these unusual finds. Certainly, I think the two pieces are unrelated and I agree that the top piece was probably intended to be a posey or match holder. (I'll ask the Rose Bowl Group if they have ever seen anything like it.) And, of course, the design number 1443 refers to the the design on the bowl rather than the shape of the bowl.

Thanks for sharing this unusual find.
Jim.

Or could it have been an option to occasionally use flowers in both levels instead of the fairy lamp in the center???

That is a good option and it would be quite effective in floral arrangements. You may be onto something.

Jim

Hi all, just to let you know we purchased this TT base and ???. Whilst both pieces are damaged we thought is unusual and somewhat interesting. Having now had a chance to examine, we think like Jan that the top part could have been used for flowers during the daytime instead of a dome oras additional table decoration when the Lamp was lit and in use. The posey fits exactly in the cup of the base as if they were made for each other.

I really like the combination and have the feeling it is correct. Glad to hear that it is a 'good fit' in person.

Very good!! Now, we just have to get "someone" to write an article for the newsletter.