Strange Silver Plated Object

Dear Community

Does anybody know what this rather odd looking contraption is? It is silver plated and bears a makers mark, so if you can ID it for me that would be great.  What sort of age do you think it is, I'm thinking vintage 50s/60s?

Many thanks!

Is that about the right size to put a wine bottle in?

to warm a bottle in front of the fire

The whole thing is quite small about 6" in height - the basket bit could probably hold a small candle, its only a couple of inches in diameter and similarly tall. I can see how you could rest a bottle over the top bit now you say it. And I guess the handle is to move or hold the device.

Could it be that you place a candle in the basket and a wine bottle over the top? Did people ever warm wine this way?

no the candle holder is what I thought held the wine ...could it be for keeping food warm?

Yes I suppose you could rest a plate or something similar on top, with a candle underneath. I'll have two try balancing something on it and see what fits (tea pot/plate/bottle maybe)

I think the mark is M&R silver plated.  Not much seems known about them.

It might be a  "brandy warmer"; you can buy new ones which hold one of those big balloon shaped brandy glasses over a candle at just enough of an angle not to spill the contents.

Yes I think you're going to be right, I'll have to try it with a glass I think.