Hello all,
I am new here and appreciate any help.
I am trying to figure out what this item was used for and I am guessing it’s silver plated. Thanks in advanced!
-Ken
Unless the word STERLING appears on it somewhere, I would agree that it’s silverplate. I believe Wallace Brothers did produce some sterling items, but their stock-in-trade was plate.
As far as the use goes, I can think of only absurd explanations, which I’ll keep to myself for now. 
But I’ll wager that there was originally some sort of glass dish that fit the base.
ETA: Oyster tray, perhaps?
WALLACE BROS SILVER COMPANY - Wallingford CT
Co-partnership for the manufacture of silverplated flatware and holloware formed in 1875 by Robert Wallace with his sons Robert B., William J., Henry L., George H., Frank A. and sons-in-law W.J. Leavenworth and D.E. Morris. The manufacture of holloware ceased in 1986. In 1879 the corporation of R.Wallace & Sons Mfg Co acquired and took over the business and goodwill of Wallace Brothers
Sugar bowl, cake stand?
Doubtful. The hump in the middle would serve no function in a sugar bowl, and would be a positive impediment in a cake stand. The bottoms of sugar bowls are either flat or concave, and cake stands are flat, for a reason.
Jeff, so what is this?
Not sure. But I think I know what it’s not.
This is one of those obscure items Victorian’s made for clients who had more money than sense.
It is also a case where a google site search brings up, unusual for google searching silver, useful similar items.
Most sellers call it a bride’s basket, although exactly what the bride was supposed to stick in it remains unclear to its modern purveyors. A bratwurst curly sausage, in case she gets hungry after her newly acquired husband collapses in a drunken stupor, might satisfy at least one wedding night appetite.
CRWW
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Awesome! Thank you all. I tried googling everything I could have imagined and didn’t see anything that resembled a brides basket.
Much appreciated!
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