What is this?

[fn170]

A friend of mine owns this and we cannot figure out what it is.   

[railman44]

How about going into some detail as to what that multi-colored thing is in the center.  Is it a lid or is it stationary?  What's it made of?  What are the measurements of the piece in inches?  The piece has the Deco chrome look and it could be a representation from the machine age.  The only sure thing is the parrot perched.  Guessing, I would say it's from the 1930's. 

[fn170]

The type of stone is unknown and it does not move.  The base is 1 & 7/16" across and it is 1 & 9/16" tall.  He thinks it is silver.

[cogar]

The wife guessed a "ring tree".

[railman44]

Considering the size, I would say it's a name card holder.  It probably/maybe sat on a table close to the front door containing cards with the name in fancy script of the person living there.  Many times a silver bowl was used.  Cards, much like the business cards of today only with just the name, were exchanged as a proper part of introductions.  The mark on the bottom is probably some kind of silver maker's mark from Europe.  I don't know if I'm right but, the little piece is quite unique and neat.

[D&b antiques]

I Agree it look's  art deco.maybe we could get a sketch of the trademark?

[KC]

My vote is a card holder!  It holds the cards upright (functional) while you can still see the elements of the piece (ornamental).  The more I look at it, the more I like it.  Made for an adventurous person.

[dontbe]

If its a card holder, its a poor one.
The stone would not allow the card to lean against all three pins. (It would "get in the way")

It appears silver to me.