www.925-1000.com

Thank you, JLD! Your expert explanation is so sound and specific. Mystery resolved. Must have been a space-saving choice in the cabinets. I appreciate the time you took to answer this. The handled item is very rococo in style. what you are calling a base is mid-century modern, If intended to go toge...

silverly wrote:Welcome to the forum. If you're interested the trademark looks like Frank W Smith Silver Co. https://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_S5.html

Dear Silverly,

Thank you! That looks exactly right. Much appreciated,

Alison

Hi JLD,

I know what you mean about the proportions and the awkwardness, but all 12 cups in the service come with the same stand. No saucers. And they "lock" together. Hence the mystery! Any glass liners are long gone.

Alison

Hi Peter-- That makes sense. Any idea what the stand under the cup was for? All the cups in the set are on the same stands.
Thanks,
Alison

Does anybody know the original purpose of this small sterling cup with an opening in the base and matching stand? (Part of a full set.) Photos below. There are also matching bowls and saucers visible in the background of one of the photos. The bowls have openings in their bases, too. https://imgur.c...