It's a bit unusual, as these are normally found in the form similar to a large brass (undecorated) beer stein. They are often mis-identified as a drinking cup!
It's a fire starter pot.
The stick has a porous ceramic stone on it. The pot is partially filled with a flammable oil (do not use highly flammable liquids like gas!) or kerosine. The stone is left fully immersed to soak in it. (Lid helps against evaporation/smell).
You place the wood in the fire place, then pull the stick out and put it under the wood, and you light that instead of paper.
Once the fire is going you can remove it from the wood, extinguish it and return it to the holder to recharge for the next fire.
Not overly expensive, but both useful and neat, these I have seen sell for a few dollars up to about $30.
It's an interesting conversation piece for you if nothing else!
Re: Some type of brass pot?
It's a bit unusual, as these are normally found in the form similar to a large brass (undecorated) beer stein. They are often mis-identified as a drinking cup!
It's a fire starter pot.
The stick has a porous ceramic stone on it. The pot is partially filled with a flammable oil (do not use highly flammable liquids like gas!) or kerosine. The stone is left fully immersed to soak in it. (Lid helps against evaporation/smell).
You place the wood in the fire place, then pull the stick out and put it under the wood, and you light that instead of paper.
Once the fire is going you can remove it from the wood, extinguish it and return it to the holder to recharge for the next fire.
Not overly expensive, but both useful and neat, these I have seen sell for a few dollars up to about $30.
It's an interesting conversation piece for you if nothing else!