Featured What is this porcelain thing?

Wasn't that a catchy title? I just can't figure out what this piece is used for. I assume I am missing pieces. The cartouches are hand painted and really interesting. The bottom has a raised plaque stamped HAVILAND DEPOSE. I know it is hard to see - I tried to heighten it with a crayon. I have been searching and even did a google search and didn't come up with anything. It is approx. 11.75 inches in height.
Thank you for the help!

 

It's a pipestand. Holes for the pipes, dishes for matches, and tobacco in the container. Not sure I really believe that explaination.

 

You know, I actually believe it. Especially because of the pipe decoration on the side.

 

I told my colleague that the motif was so masculine and it makes complete sense that it is a pipe stand with tobacco container! I had no idea that Haviland made anything like this.
Thank you!

 

What does the inside of the lid look like, is there a space to hold a damp sponge?

 

I could swear my grandmother had dishes with that same coloration.

 

Yeah, but...There's also the other side, with armaments! Could it be a stash for a man's deadly accessories? Actually, that would also be true if it was for pipes an' etc.!

 

On second look: NO!
A pipe stand places the bowl down, rather than the stem, which is the only way a pipe could be rested in those little holes. The cups...for matches? I doubt that, too...an' as far as a 'humidor' for tobacco...I dunno, that's a real reach, as well. If it does turn out to have a fitting inna lid for a sponge, which would be necessary, I'll be very surprised.
I profess no expertise...but was a pipe smoker an' collector in my youth, for what that may be worth.

 

I wonder if it's for caviar. They made something similar in silver.

https://www.cedricdupontantiques.co...tury-empire-st-sterling-silver-caviar-server/

 

Here is picture of the interior. Do you think the holes could have been for spoons?

 

Say it Slowly! You were reading my mind

 

True.

 

I'm sure this is way off base, but I thought it was a breakfast accessory. The holes would be for soft boiled eggs. But I sure don't know what would go inside the large center part (a bunch of fried bacon?).

 

The rashers standing on end in a couple inches of congealed pig fat...Yes!

 

Yuck on the congealed pig fat! But I was thinking the bacon would have to be vertical.

 

There was probably a special serving spoon used to ladle th' caviar from the lidded reserve vessel into the 3 cups around the spoon rack. Imagine what other gustatory delights were available at such a soiree!

 

...an' fairly crispy, so it wouldn't sag inna pot an' present a tangled mess. I like my bacon chewy-er, thanks.

 

@Laura - this group does offer some ID help.

Maybe they could help.

https://havilandcollectors.com/hcif/

 

Maybe a lidded punch bowl with holes for stirrup cups and bowls for hard boiled eggs? (or to hold ladles)

 

@laura9797 you showed the inside of the container, but was there a way a sponge could/would be held IN THE LID.......????? It just gives off more of a "hunt" sense with the scene.....to me......