Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

French Antique Guessing Game

Frenchsilverangel

The French have a certain style, a certain flare, a certain something that gives them an edge. I admire that savoir-faire. For example they can tie a scarf better than most, they can hold their forks and knives in such a way it seems they are the maestro at a concert. You know they just know the ins and outs of how to be. Culture! That’s it, that is what they have…Culture.

Having culture is like having good bone structure.

Ange Angelfrench

I dream of good bone structure. Though my thighs and face have more in common with this little angel, or I should say plump angel.

Do you know what it is used for? A Napoleon III piece covered lightly with silver. The French create beauty in everything they do. They are the day to day artist adding color, a touch of magic, giving us awe in the way they can weave glamor in the simplest of things.

Frenchantiquesilver

Do you know what this piece was used for?

A little treat for the first person who gives the right answer, and another for the most original answer too. Challenge ends tomorrow.

UPDATE: 54 comments and the challenge continues…the right answer has yet to be revealed…Ah-ha maybe this time I have finally found something that will stump everyone! It is a pretty thing isn’t it…it seems so obvious but it ain’t easy is it!

Last update: Over 100 comments and the answer to the purpose of this tray is still far far way. I wonder if anyone knows what it is…other than me…kind of a lonely thought isn’t it?

Comments

175 responses to “French Antique Guessing Game”

  1. Jeanne

    For holding jewels in my dear?

    Reply
  2. TACE

    I am going to guess it’s a stand for a chamber pot?

    Reply
  3. Britt-Arnhild

    For love letters. When a young man courted the sweet young woman.

    Reply
  4. Maddy

    Oh I think it’s for putting wine bottles on so they stay off the linen table cloth.
    Happy New Year Corey.

    Reply
  5. mary

    a mould for tarts, desserts, or for bread ?
    Best wishes for 2008 !

    Reply
  6. Carolr

    Oh, I was going to say a wine bottle holder, but it’s been said. Well, hmmm, perhaps a brioche holder?

    Reply
  7. constance forehand

    a tray to display perfume bottles

    Reply
  8. Edi

    is it part of a jardiniere – a container for a plant??

    Reply
  9. My Melange

    Corey,
    First I must say, I am in LOVE with the piece!! You know I love cherubs. I am afraid to say my answer, because…well…um, you have your fruit in it and I was going to say it is a bed pan! Please, step away from the fruit!!!!
    Seriously though…
    Is it somewhat of a trivet, that stays on the table and you put a hot casserole dish straight from the oven on it, so it looks pretty but you don’t burn your fingers???

    Reply
  10. kristin Co

    Coupe à dragées ? Une façon de célébrer un baptême ? Annoncer une nouvelle naissance ? Pas franchement au courant, mais ce qui est sûr c’est qu’elle est MAGNIFIQUE !

    Reply
  11. phillippa

    it looks like a cake/tart stand….

    Reply
  12. Darla

    Ohh, my mind is whirling. Lets see, how about a holder for a priest’s collar? The cherubs made me do it, LOL!
    Darla

    Reply
  13. charlotte

    Happy new year, Corey! Loved the story of the lost dou-dou…but haven’t a clue what this is. Lovely images though. xoC

    Reply
  14. Pam Aries

    Something to put the Royal jewels in???

    Reply
  15. Chantal

    Was it used to display and serve the traditional Galette des rois? 🙂

    Reply
  16. Karin

    My first thought was a calling card tray, but the fruit is throwing me off. That would be a very large calling card tray!! But, still.
    I’ll keep thinking.

    Reply
  17. Candy

    Hmmmm…..perhaps it held bonbons! It’s a candy dish!

    Reply
  18. Caty

    ummmmmmmmmmm…I guess is to put the mail that arrives everyday.Or a “vide poches”? or….I guess is a magic well (like a mirror) when you look at it shows you as you would like to be and so you are….
    I will ask my husband ce soir …
    🙂

    Reply
  19. qualcosa di bello

    i have not a clue~~ but i am fascinated by the guesses of others! whatever it is, i am guessing a common thing & it is oh-so-beautiful!
    buon anno!!

    Reply
  20. Becky

    It is a very beautiful piece and I love angels and all. Probably for wine?

    Reply
  21. Paula

    Oh my gosh, everyone has already used my guesses ! I especially like the idea of a chamber pot stand. It would be just so french !
    As I’ve said before, I never get these things right so I’m going to stay with the same guess I used on the last challenge ~ a crystal lemon reamer !!!!!
    HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  22. Travelingmama

    Well, I don’t know what it’s original purpose was, but I think it would make a lovely candle holder. I would put a big one in the center and then fill the edges with seasonal items- maybe ornaments or greenery and berries for Christmas, conversation hearts for Valentine’s, handpainted delicate eggs for Easter… and so on.

    Reply
  23. Mary

    It’s certainly exquisite and must be used on the dining table – perhaps to hold a steaming tureen of Winter soup – which I’m about to go make on this very cold morning!
    My tureen will have to make do with a cork mat from Ikea – love those things but would adore this beauty on my humble table!

    Reply
  24. Betty

    Corey,
    My guesses: casserole stand, chamber pot stand, nail polish, lipstick, etc, caddy,and a water container that the servant would dip her fingers in to sprinkle clothes before ironing all those beautiful French linens…
    Thanks for the visits and comments….come any time……Betty @ Country Charm

    Reply
  25. Dana Smith

    Was it used to hold napkins on the table…and I don’t mean the paper ones!
    Dana

    Reply
  26. Elena

    Is it to hold plates? It is beautiful whatever it is.

    Reply
  27. Shannon

    I know because you told me, so I will take myself out of the contest 🙁
    When you mentioned yesterday that you’d hold another guessing game, I guessed that this would be what you would post.
    Do I get a prize for that? ;p

    Reply
  28. tut-tut

    a stand for a waste basket?? or to hold grapes??

    Reply
  29. Ariane

    Everyone else has thought of my practical answers – cake or bon bon stand, tray for carrying letters, chamber pot holder.
    Perhaps it’s for holding a pitcher of water by the bed or a bowl to wash one’s face and hands in?
    Perhaps it is a tray a servant held for Napoleon to place his used handkerchiefs when he had a cold.
    Whatever it is – it’s lovely. I love how you’re using it to hold fruit.
    Ariane

    Reply
  30. Gail

    I think it held the crown of the king or queen.
    xoxo
    Gail

    Reply
  31. Ariane

    Oh, I forgot to say when I first saw it I thought it looked like a crown (except for the little feet). I can’t tell from the photo how big it is but it might make a lovely crown.
    Ariane

    Reply
  32. Ariane

    Oh, how funny Gail and I were thinking about crowns at the exact moment. Must be that collective consciousness thing… hahaha

    Reply
  33. Miss Sandy

    Is it a compote or jardiniere to hold fruit or bread or even flowers? Perhaps there used to be a glass dish lining which protected the silver? Whatever it is it is lovely.

    Reply
  34. Kitem

    Isn’t it called a RAFRAICHISSOIR?
    I remember my old Auntie Marcelle had one on her dining table in the formal dining room. I wonder what happened to it.

    Reply
  35. beachy

    Is this the bottom part to a chafing dish, Corey? hmmmm… stumped again! lol

    Reply
  36. amydeanne

    I’m guessing the bottom of a plant pot… I have one similar for that use…I don’t know what the technical name for it would be though… plant trayish sort of thing… btw, I found some of my lace (from my grandmother) in my unpacking last night, i’ll have to post a picture of it next week.

    Reply
  37. beachy

    She fell madly in love, but knew he kept a deep, dark secret. Unmarried, they had to spend their nights in separate rooms (his parents had taken her in as a young orphaned girl, the child of dear family friends). One night she silently crept into the hallway, relieved that his door was ajar. Not wanting to be heard or seen, she held her breath and watched… in horror… as she saw him remove his teeth! Not to be overcome with her horror any longer, and wanting him to know his misfortune didn’t affect her, she commissioned a fine tray in which he could place his teeth at night. His teeth would be protected by the love angels surrounding the sides of the shallow dish. the end. heehee

    Reply
  38. Rosemary

    Here we go again Corey.
    It might hold some kind of glass dish. Or maybe it’s a hotplate or stand.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  39. Mo’a

    My Mother has a similar piece…her’s has a glass insert…not sure that it is French…but it is beautiful.
    Class…you have it in spades my dear Corey…one only needs to come here to see the evidence of that.

    Reply
  40. Julie

    My mother has something similar and I am going to guess what she uses it for. Is it to hold silverware? My mother always uses hers when she has large parties with a buffet.

    Reply
  41. martina

    A cooling tray for pies or madeleines fresh out of the oven. A trivet or protective device to put a hot dish on the table without damaging the table top/cloth.

    Reply
  42. Elizabeth Meredith

    I’m guessing it is either a holder for toilet paper, or for potpourri, or soap.
    Maybe for cleaning babies little bottoms–dunk and swish.
    Far out guess: a holder for “French Letters” if you know what I mean…LOL
    Happy New Year, Corey!

    Reply
  43. Britt-Arnhild

    My second guess. It is from an altar, holding the prayers.

    Reply
  44. Di Overton

    I think it’s for holding a serving dish but that is way to easy.

    Reply
  45. Massilianana

    HA – HA ! Another tricky guessing game ! Alright , I think this might be a part of a jardinière (planter?) with the glass or ceramic part missing .

    Reply
  46. Linda

    I would use it to put my crown into at night, if I had one.

    Reply
  47. Suzanne

    I don’t know what it WAS, but I’d guess it IS a consequence of a romantic walk (hand in hand with french husband) to a flee market!

    Reply
  48. stljoie

    I’m going to guess it held a large bowl for water used to freshen oneself up….whatever it is, it is just lovely.

    Reply
  49. julieholvik@aol.com

    My guess it’s for your dresser, to hold perfume bottles.

    Reply
  50. stefania

    Hi Corey, maybe it is a lamp ….? Happy new year !! Stefania

    Reply
  51. julieholvik@aol.com

    One more guess, could it be used to catch or put your mail in?

    Reply
  52. KJ

    To hold a bedpan?
    By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is a great piece and I so agree about the CULTURE part! It is what I so admire about the French!
    KJ

    Reply
  53. Betty @ She’s Sew Pretty

    It looks like a cake stand to me. Now I need one because everyone has such wonderful ideas for decorating with it.

    Reply
  54. Elaine

    Corey, it looks as if it should hold plates on a buffet. So many clever answers though. Hmm, which one is correct? Demain?

    Reply
  55. Terri B in Oregon

    It’s where Cupid lays his bow and arrow after he comes home from a long day on the job!

    Reply
  56. Ellen Cassilly

    A glass triffle bowl would fit inside the silver base. The glass bowl could also hold compote, or anything that it colorful and especially striped or layered.

    Reply
  57. Marva

    When I first saw it I was thinking fancy plant stand, but that has been guessed so…. A stand for a hot pie? Or perhaps to set a plate of croissants or truffles on? And if that is not it, how about a a tray to hold ink and quills? I could go on guessing forever, but will stop at those. 🙂 Marva

    Reply
  58. Jeanette

    I think it is for the calling cards that people would leave so the butler could annouce who was visiting.
    OR
    You place your wishes and dreams for the coming year written on a piece of paper and say a prayer and burn the paper so that no one can see or read them. And you wait the year out to see if they come true.
    Or
    You place the fairies you catch in here and place a light cloth over it so they can not fly away.
    Read your article in Victoria…wonderful. Happy New Year! I can’t wait to see Zane and give him a bad time about burning baby Jesus. Poor guy he will never live it down. Jeanette

    Reply
  59. Marva

    Oh just thought of one more thing, how about a tray for finger towels at the table or in the bath? Marva

    Reply
  60. Jane

    It seems silly but the first thing that popped into my head was a holder for a fine chamber pot (when not in use of course).

    Reply
  61. Kim

    I keep seeing water in it, held for a baptism, they sprinkle the water on the child from it.
    Blessings

    Reply
  62. Katherine Miller

    This was obviously used for catching the lopped off heads during the French Revolution. No horrid little basket or box for the French when something lovely will work better. Viva La France!!! Happy New Year Corey and “French Husband”…..Katherine Miller

    Reply
  63. Laura

    Lined with royal blue velvet, it is the perfect place to set your crown and/or tiara while bathing or sleeping.

    Reply
  64. NANCY

    Is it a ferner? Just exquisite. I have so enjoyed reading the guesses! Nancy

    Reply
  65. Matt Maddox

    Looks like a cake stand.

    Reply
  66. Liz Ness

    Beautiful photos — also, happy New Year to you and your family!
    Hmmm…what could it be? Silver, too. Hmmm. It’s the base for a basket that held scrap wood — for next to a fireplace. (I’m going for the creative side here, heh-heh.)

    Reply
  67. annieelf

    Years ago when my gradparents’ house was heated by a fireplace only, my grandfather would take the cold remains of the spent fire and place them in a beautiful, shallow silver dish. Carefully he would carry the spent ash outside and generously sprinkle the ash over his beloved garden. He fed from beauty to create beauty. He had the most beautiful petunias in the neighborhood.

    Reply
  68. Tamara Giselle

    Something that beautiful was surely made to hold a crown when it wasn’t perched upon the wearer’s head. If this beauty didn’t have legs it would make a lovely crown itself.
    As for looking like a cherub I can relate. My husband always tells me the softness (as opposed to hardbody)is beautiful as in all the old european paintings. One more reason I love him.

    Reply
  69. Kit

    My first thought was that it would hold the salt, pepper and whatever other condiments were used in the centre of the table, but it seems a little mundane for such a beautiful piece.
    Have fun with your New Year wishes – the great thing about them is that it’s never too late to make them and it can be an ongoing process!

    Reply
  70. Britt-Arnhild

    To gather feathers from angel wings.

    Reply
  71. Teresa

    My guess is..it is a finger bowl, used long ago for the higher class citizens or royalty perhaps.
    Teresa

    Reply
  72. Pat

    A foot bath!

    Reply
  73. beachy

    hmmmm… a collection dish used in a church?

    Reply
  74. Paris Parfait

    I have a very similar piece, lined with zinc. I was told it was used to hold flowers in the center of a table, then later for fruit.

    Reply
  75. Di Overton

    Second go here – I have something that looks just like this but smaller and it’s a holder for a wine or champagne bottle but this looks bigger. Oh go on I’ll say it’s a wine or champagne holder.

    Reply
  76. martina

    a food dish for a spoiled poodle? To put on the table with pommes Anna? A dish for meats such as ham? Or, a hair receiver.

    Reply
  77. Rosemary

    Hi Corey,
    It’s me again.
    Now I think it is to hold a wine or champagne bottle.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  78. Tammy

    Well I am thinking it could be used to serve tea on…it would look pretty or maybe place flowers on it…either would add a beauty all their own. It sure is a pretty thing.

    Reply
  79. Marva

    Or how about a tray to hold wine glasses or vitamins? 🙂 Marva

    Reply
  80. NJSue

    Is it a base to hold either a basin for washing or (ahem) a chamberpot?

    Reply
  81. Die Rabenfrau

    With a cloche out of glas you could display a bouquet of dried flowers on it. Perhaps a bridal bouquet?
    Die Rabenfrau

    Reply
  82. Die Rabenfrau

    correction: a glass cover (My english is a bit rusty these days – not enough practice!)
    Die Rabenfrau

    Reply
  83. Miss Maddie’s

    Well first I’d have to go in the direction of something to do with amore(love).The putti(cupids) that encircle the tray are representative of the quest to lure Venus into their loving grasp.So what could be more seductive or desirable than chocolate.Therefore I conclude it is a tray on which the morning pot of chocolate is carried to the bedchamber!
    What fun you are!!
    Susan

    Reply
  84. TACE

    Hmmm some sort of serving thingy for hot dishes? Like bread or sauce so it will stay warm.

    Reply
  85. TACE

    Oh wait or some sort of fondue bowl thing?

    Reply
  86. Lee

    I’m guessing a fruit bowl is out of the question?

    Reply
  87. Laura

    2nd try for me, too.
    Perhaps a decanter “station”?? To hold all those spirit & wine bottles during the Napoleonic feasts? Or not.
    Happy New Year!!

    Reply
  88. Sacha

    It’s a place for the dentist’s tools after he’s pulled your tooth out. Ya that’s it!!
    _____________________________________
    Dear Darling Son,
    NOT!!
    Love your Mother

    Reply
  89. NJSue

    a base for a chamber pot or a washing basin?

    Reply
  90. Alisa Logue

    I haven’t read the other responses but I am guessing: a pedestal for a wash basin. -Alisa PS- Happy New Year et Bonne Annee Corey!

    Reply
  91. FH

    I think it is a tray to lay your soul and have the angels carry it up high into the sky.
    ________________________
    Dear Honey
    I am not going anywhere soon am I?
    Love your Wife

    Reply
  92. Donald aka Sacha

    it’s a fruit dish.

    Reply
  93. Sacha

    it’s a tray
    ___________________
    That is close but not the whole answer!

    Reply
  94. Kristin Wight

    Happy New Year!
    Well, I thought it might be a plant holder, or maybe a candle holder, but it looks like those have been guessed already…
    Hmmmmm….. could it hold stationary and inks? A letter holder? Maybe it held a glass or porcelain jar/bowl?
    It is beautiful, whatever it once did…

    Reply
  95. Sacha

    It’s Abraham’s mushroom tray…
    ____________________________
    Dear Son
    I am go to unplug your computer!
    love Mother

    Reply
  96. Miz Booshay

    Lovely answers so far.
    I shall say a tray to hold powder for a wig.

    Reply
  97. Godot

    It’s a tray we have to guess about so if we don’t we can’t so we have to seek for clues like that in the end we can finally find out what it is… But before that I just have to say one thing: I’m not what I am because if I was what I am I wouldn’t be what I am!!! Now think about that one and give it a sweet guess!!! 🙂
    _________________________________

    Reply
  98. Karin

    Maybe it is for another type of pot- one for a plant? I hobbled all the way from my bed to see if anyone had guessed correctly yet. 🙂

    Reply
  99. Pam

    Your guessing games are so much fun Corey! To me, the dish looks like the trivet thing used to place casserole dishes in so they don’t scorch the table. Do the French do casseroles?
    ——————————–
    Oh Pam that is a good one liner, “Do the French do casseroles!”

    Reply
  100. Allison

    A miniature jardiniere, bonboniere or master open salt.
    Allison

    Reply
  101. TACE

    Maybe it’s to set a punch bowl on.

    Reply
  102. Miss Maddie’s

    I’m back!
    It is just what lies before us; a fruit tray.
    Laden with luscious grapes,pears,peaches… it would be served before dinner with an aperitif.
    Susan

    Reply
  103. thebuck@mindspring.com

    Fra Angelico would love that plumb
    silver angel!I had just said to one
    of my older brother’s that what I love
    about France is the culture and their
    love of beauty. You said it ever so well in this blog!
    I think it’s a bonbon dish!
    Napoleon III must have loved chocolate!
    Bonnie
    Charlotte

    Reply
  104. eb

    welllllllll……….
    David – aka – Vermont Husband says that it is “un lit-poire”… used by Napoleon the 3rd’s staff to allow the pears to rest after soaking them in brandy – a little lie down for inibriated fruit…
    (one fruit familiar with others)
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  105. Dotsie

    A tray for wigs!

    Reply
  106. Jill

    I will guess that it’s a tray that calling cards and letters are placed into, before the butler brings them to his mistress. Or is that too english?

    Reply
  107. stephanie

    I’m picturing a pot of amarylis resting gently among the cherubs here….

    Reply
  108. tut-tut

    Ok, I’m trying again: a receptacle for medicines, potions, etc. from the pharmacy . . .

    Reply
  109. tut-tut

    or, wait, for some eau de vie bottles, or their ilk??

    Reply
  110. martina

    It is a tray to put all of your eggs in one basket. Actually, I’d prefer it as a breakfast tray with a very large croissant, cup of coffee and a vase with a perfect rose in it.

    Reply
  111. Allison

    A wine bottle holder? A liquid medicine holder?

    Reply
  112. violette

    Je pensais à un socle pour une cloche de mariage… mais tu n’aurais tout de même pas osé y mettre …des pommes ??
    Magnifique objet en tout cas .
    Bonne année chère Corey !

    Reply
  113. Allison

    It held camembert.

    Reply
  114. Rhoda

    Oh, I have no guesses either…if over 100 didn’t get it, I’m sure I won’t either. It is a beautiful piece though & does look very, very French! Lovely pictures.
    Happy New Year to you…I haven’t been by in awhile!
    Rhoda

    Reply
  115. Allison

    A margarine (butter) dish – can you tell I really want to figure this out!?

    Reply
  116. Pinkie Denise

    Oh Corey ,
    You and your tricky guessing games, hmmm, I would say its very pretty, so its a serving piece or something that has to do with sitting
    or going on a table with food, hmmm, let me think, holding napkins, silverware, linens or flowers? Two side seem higher so something doesn’t fall out and be piled high,you just like to tease and drive everyone crazy don’t you dear cousin!!!!!!!!!! Pinkie

    Reply
  117. Carolyn

    Corey I have no idea what your tray is and can;t wait to learn but it sure made me caress a wonderful young childhood memory today of a similar tray that sat on my Nany’s (paternal grandmother’s) dresser top. It held her hair brush and comb, a small sainty bottle of perfume, a pretty glass jar with a hammered metal lid that held her hair pins for her bun,and somtimes a piece of jewelry that I knew meant I could play with it and wear it for the day. HOw I wish I had her beautiful tray. Thank you for the memory that came to me this day, without your post that memory would not have come alive to my heart this day.

    Reply
  118. Sue K

    I think it is part of a light fixture or chandelier…perhaps the metal rim that holds the glass globe?

    Reply
  119. teresa

    I am going to jump in here and try for one I didn’t see. A tray to hold a spitoon – maybe?
    Have a wonderful day I am glad to see FH and Sacha playing along too.

    Reply
  120. TACE

    I’ve never wanted to know what some thing-a-ma-jig is, so badly, in all my life. hahaha This is fun. Sheesh…umm…..
    a plate holder?
    haha Like you stack plates in it like at a buffet? hahah I feel like I’m grasping at straws now….

    Reply
  121. Olivia

    When a soldier from Napoleon’s army arrived at a social gathering the servant would meet him with this wonderful tray. He would put his gloves on it and his gun so that he wouldn’t sit in the gentile parlour and accidently blow his leg or anyone else’s off???

    Reply
  122. Edi

    how about a tray for serving toast?
    I’m about crazy trying to figure it out b/c I was totally sure my previous guess was correct!

    Reply
  123. Joyce

    It’s a woman’s dressing table tray to hold all of her elegant perfumes, etc.

    Reply
  124. Gardi

    A tray to hold the chamberpot?

    Reply
  125. Leslie M

    I really don’t have a clue, but I can’t wait to find out.

    Reply
  126. Sheila

    Am I too late…?
    Is it for holding communion wafers..?
    xo

    Reply
  127. NJSue

    okay– more thoughts–
    a spitoon
    part of a mull (snuff box)

    Reply
  128. ~Kim

    A trivet?

    Reply
  129. Mary

    It holds a jug/pitcher/carafe of mineral water to serve along with the red wine and wonderful food!
    My second try – now I must give up because there have been so many wonderful guesses I can’t think of another thing.

    Reply
  130. Lisa & Alfie at The Pickled Hutch

    Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we can’t figure it out with all those creative guesses. Is it a tray to hold water glasses and pitcher? or a tea tray?

    Reply
  131. Hasmin

    My guess…it’s a tray to hold little dishes of paints, for the aspiring French artist.
    My husband’s guess…it’s a puppy/kitten bed.
    Whatever it is Corey, I am in LOVE with it! 🙂

    Reply
  132. ~Kim

    Second guess ~ Is it used for holding letters?

    Reply
  133. NJSue

    the vessel to hold a salt cellar

    Reply
  134. Gillian @ Indigo Blue

    A crepe warmer? A crepe server? It must hold something flat and round, and not my boobs.
    xo
    Gillian

    Reply
  135. Pinkie Denise

    Oh, another guess, a tray ,holder for a glass dome for a crown or tiara, something beautiful and priceless hmmm good guess, Denise
    Thats what I would use it for…..

    Reply
  136. Elizabeth

    Surely by the cherubs on it and the basic design must be something connected with something romantic! Perhaps something to hold the exquisite hairbrushes with handles of mother of pearl or some such, for the lady love of his life!

    Reply
  137. Jill

    Well how about this… When a toast is to be made, it is the tray to hold all the tall glasses filled with champagne?

    Reply
  138. melinda

    I think you rest your iron of the day – you put hot coles in them – on that tray while you adjust the dress etc and start up ironing again.
    Its one fancy iron rest! LOL

    Reply
  139. Hasmin

    Ok Corey, one more guess (are we allowed?)…is it a poubelle?

    Reply
  140. Annie

    Wasn’t even going to try, but the words ‘casserole collar’ just popped out! It is lovely and looks useful for many things. Oh! I see someone already said that, but she didn’t say ‘collar’…..so, I think you should pick me.
    xoxo,
    Annie

    Reply
  141. Nancy

    I love these guessing games as well!!! How
    fun. I am going for the creative – a place
    to put your false teeth when you take them
    out at night.

    Reply
  142. Dana Smith

    Is it simply a fruit bowl?

    Reply
  143. AnnieElf

    Holy Cow, Corey. 142 comments and counting. Is that some sort of record for you???? So here’s another thought. It’s a round tray to receive visitors’ calling cards – sort of like all of these comments that have been left here. teehee

    Reply
  144. Dawn

    I have no idea, Corey….but I love the suspense!!

    Reply
  145. CanadianCarrie

    Hmm, a coin/money dish?

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  146. CanadianCarrie

    It would help to see the inside/bottom of the piece…

    Reply
  147. Lisa & Alfie at The Pickled Hutch

    One more attempt before bed. Is it the bottom of a birdcage or a boot tray? I hope this doesn’t keep me up all night!

    Reply
  148. CanadianCarrie

    Another guess, plant holder?

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  149. Catalina

    french husband says: used by the doctor to put the medical cupping glass (to suck blood)
    🙂

    Reply
  150. Elizabeth Meredith

    One early morning guess: It was for holding leeches at your bedside, hence the raised edge–to keep them from crawling out.

    Reply
  151. Cynthia

    Your so tricky……………
    I think I had something similar….
    FOR CINDERS….HUH!!

    Reply
  152. Marie-Noëlle

    Maybe my answer has been told by somebodyelse… Honestly, I haven’t read the 150 comments… I leave it for later…
    As you focus on the plump cherub and as we are now in an “after-fast” period, … AND because at that time the meals lasted for so long with their fifty or more courses…
    I would say … or rather whisper (breaking all romantic ideas) this answer:
    A silver plate in which they could throw up before carrying on with the next courses…
    My apologies to your readers… The French DID so in the past – even if my answer does not suit here …

    Reply
  153. Marie-Noëlle

    Another try : a finger-bowl.

    Reply
  154. Marie-Noëlle

    un chauffe-plat …
    a “warmer”(???) to keep the food warm on the table….

    Reply
  155. TACE

    Ok, my last guess but maybe they used to set a small cask of wine on/in it?? To raise it up before raising a glass……
    I don’t think I ever enjoyed a guessing game so much before.
    How many minds all over the world the last couple days have had their egg roll making/poker tv programs/trampoline jumping interrupted by stray thoughts along the lines of “what the heck is that thing??” hahaha

    Reply
  156. Blogamop

    I had lost your address and I am so glad I have found you again! I wish you a very happy new year. Thanks for sharing your stories and pictures with us.
    As for the game, I’d say it is the bottom of something made of glass. A bit too big for ordinary candles, though. Or could it be a pot holder? or the bottom of a clock?? Je donne ma langue au chat, as we say in France! Now I have to catch up with your blog!
    Best wishes for the new year again.

    Reply
  157. designflute

    It is so much fun here! thanks for sharing these your impossible and original quizs!
    If I would find this kind of tray in India, I would immediately say it must have been used for ‘pan'(betel nut leaf with condiments eaten after lunch or dinner).
    But I think it is just a pan/tray in which they used to wash their hands before or after dinner..?

    Reply
  158. designflute

    It is so much fun here! thanks for sharing these your impossible and original quizs!
    If I would find this kind of tray in India, I would immediately say it must have been used for ‘pan'(betel nut leaf with condiments eaten after lunch or dinner).
    But I think it is just a pan/tray in which they used to wash their hands before or after dinner..?

    Reply
  159. Edi

    ok this idea came to me at 5:30 in bed, while I should have been sleeping.
    A dog food dish!

    Reply
  160. Dana Smith

    Was it heated and used to keep food warm? Did a small candle go under it? Did the artist who created it have no particular purpose for it in mind……just a thing of beauty to be left to the one who owns it? Ok…….today is my 25 wedding anniversary and we’re off to the Red Fox Inn(Middleburg, VA to spend the night in the same room we spent our wedding night in) and then on to Keswick Hall near Charlottesville. I had no intentions of taking my laptop but I have to now just to find out what that piece was used for!!!!
    Dana in VA

    Reply
  161. teresa

    Is it the tray that held the silver wine funnel/strainer that was used to filter the solids from port or brandy poured from a decanter/cask?

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  162. Denise

    I think it was to hold not just any bottle of wine but a Salamanzar of Champagne. That’s what I would use it for at least.

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  163. Miss Sandy

    Is cupid the base that holds an ice bucket where you chill the champagne? Your quiz is giving me a headache!

    Reply
  164. Lori

    Is it a jardiniere?

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  165. Lori

    Is it a jardiniere? It would have had a glass insert. It could have been used for plants, flowers, fruit, etc.

    Reply
  166. marita

    oh i almost missed the guessing game…
    i’m not able to read all the comments and don’t know if anybody had a similar answer.
    i’ll give it a try though…
    marie-antoinette owned a precious golden one… a vanity tray to hold sets of perfume bottles, brushes, combs…

    Reply
  167. Denise Mares

    Is it a piece of ormolu?
    Do you want to sell it?

    Reply
  168. Colette

    If it’s Napoleon III, then la pauvre Marie-Antoinette was long gone. If it had been hers, I would have said the tray was for her perfume bottles, or the petits fours she ate in the movie, nestled on a finely embroidered linen napkin.
    It’s too shallow for a spitoon; it could be an elaborate not-very-cache pot; a tray for glasses, the drinking kind; a carte de visite tray; a foot stool without the cushion on top.
    In other matters, I visited your house today. In Victoria magazine. I covet your house, but that’s breaking one of the Commandments. So I’ll just visit often in the pages of the publication. They should have included more photos. Heck, they could have done a whole issue on French House.
    xoxo

    Reply
  169. elainey

    … a place to put a wet hat… or perhaps gloves when calling..

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  170. elainey

    …a place to to put a wet hat or gloves when visiting..

    Reply
  171. Mar

    My mother has something just this. It holds her silver tea set.
    Happy New Year, Sweet!

    Reply
  172. valery

    iS IT A FINGERBOWL? hOW ABOUT A VESSEL USED TO PUT BONES IN OR CRAB-SHELLS AS ONE EATS THEM? {TO HAVE ON THE TABLE.}- oH, THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!! –vALERY

    Reply
  173. valery

    iS IT A FINGERBOWL? hOW ABOUT A VESSEL USED TO PUT BONES IN OR CRAB-SHELLS AS ONE EATS THEM? {TO HAVE ON THE TABLE.}- oH, THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!! –vALERY

    Reply
  174. valery

    hELLO!- iS THIS USED ON THE DINING TABLE TO DISPOSE OF BONES OR SHELLS , WHEN EATING? oR—iS THIS A “fINGERBOWL”, TO DIP THE FIN GERS IN TO WASH THEM OFF WHILE AT THE DINING TABLE? tHIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS-hA-lET ME KNOW IF i GUESSED IT RIGHT.?– vALERY sCHWEITZER

    Reply
  175. eMerly

    Spittoon??
    Now that is classy

    Reply

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