Vintage Ashtray. Age? Copper? Bronze?

On closer look, believe Susan has a point on the felt base - flower bowl would be an odd fit with the other items shown too...

~Cheryl

 

Thank you everyone. He was a cigar smoker. You all sparked a vague memory of this on his desk but the screen was in upside down like this. I think Susan and Quirkygirl are correct for what it was used for, however, Gregg may be right that it was a marriage. I have not been able to find another piece with a a wire dome by this maker.

 

Here it is, the base. It is by L.E. Mason, 4" diameter with felt bottom like yours. The seller is calling it an ashtray. It definitely does not have the wire top.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Antique-Vict...102918?hash=item41a1a95346:g:jgEAAOSwwE5Wbtq8

--- Susan

 

Online search indicates that L.E. Mason was a metal-casting firm, making a variety of items; so that does not help narrow down the possibilities.
Too bad they didn't make only smoking supplies, or floral accessories....