Expert: Martin G Roberts - 3/5/2005

Question
I've acquired something I've never seen before. It is a very odd looking flat cup about 1.5" high and about 2.5" wide at the flat base tapering up to about 3.5" wide at the top. The top edge of the cup is flatened out, but irregularly shaped. It appears to be made of pewter. It has a 1" round handle that protudes from one side about 2" and the end of the round handle has a 1" band of light green material, possibly stone. The outside of the cup has a metal band that resembles a branch with leaves and there are four different color stones. There is a small peg at the bottom of the handle that helps keep the cup upright (because the handle is much heavier than the cup. The bottom has CHINA stamped into the metal.

Do you know what this might be and what it might be worth, or be able to point me to someone who might know?

You do a great service by volunteering your experience. Thanks a lot!

Answer
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Never seen anything quite like that in pewter. It is unlikely to be very old, as it presumably was made in China for export in the 20th century. Your best bet might be a specialist in oriental metalware, but I don't know of one volunteering to help.