German fairing matchstriker c.1880s

This is an unusual piece of pottery quite heavy and slightly rough to the touch, The base has writing but first word
is not complete it reads first word not known then: starting for a long journey. It might be a spill holder as it has a
recess to rear. The base is hard to photograph as it is a whitish colored maybe similar to a salt glaze possibly.
I would love to know when or where it might have been made??? If anybody knows of course thank you :)

more pictures.

These tend to be from German/Austria

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1413872364/pair-of-antique-german-match-strikers

See photo 7 in this etsy listing

WOW thank you vey much for pointing in the 100% correct direction
naomiM thanks again both amazing .