I don't know its purpose, but I inherited it from my grandmother. It has been in the family since it was cast. It has a round bowl set on top of a plain pedestal base. A "B" for the family name is stamped on the bowl.
Category
Silver and Silver Overlay
Medium
Triple Silver Plate
Distinguishing marks
Simpson, Hall, and Miller, Inc. numbered 088 with a stamped scrolled "B" which stands for the family name