Can anybody help me - What exactly is this?

Recently looking through family china handed down, and came across this piece. Unfortunately, no one seems to know what it is/was used for. It's very small; approx 1 1/2 inches tall and 1 inch diameter at opening. Any ideas?

 

Pretty piece! At first glance, based solely on the shape, I was about to type "sugar bowl" and then I saw your measurements. Is there any marking underneath?

Could be the sugar from a doll's tea set?

 

Toothpick holder????

 

I think toothpicks, as well

 

Thanks Bakergma. And yes there is a mark on bottom, and now I'm wondering why in the world I didn't include that also. Sorry about that. Here it is:

And Aquitaine & Stracci, I believe you're right. I saw several of their toothpick holders designed exactly like this, although not in this poppy pattern. Thanks a bunch. You're all super for all the help you provide!

 

You didn't ask but if you didn't already know, this is from Rontgen's book of marks. I do not know if the word "GERMANY" all in caps or the slight variation in the mark makes a difference. Kovel's book of marks shows it with Germany using lower case and otherwise closer but gives a broader description.

Also, while I don't know if these came pre-decorated from the factory, it looks very much like some that were purchased as blanks and decorated by hobby decorators. It was once a very popular past-time and many are quite beautiful.

I actually have hobby decorated pieces that my SIL's mom did back in the 1960-90s time period that are lovely.


Kovel's