Thriftiquing 1/2/11 -- The Unknown

Yesterday I was able to sneak in a quick trip to the local antique mall just to hopefully get a shawl I saw last week but alas I couldn't find it so I decided to see what else I could find. Note to Self: If you see something you LOVE -- Get it!! Do not hope that it will still be there the next time!

As I was meandering up and down the aisles I was beginning to think that nothing was going to catch my eye.  I was almost to the end of the last one when I noticed something tucked behind a plant and being the "Hide-it-till-I can-come-back" kinda chick that I am, I just knew I had to pull it out and see what it was that someone else wanted to hide out of way.

I got it out, held it up, looked at it -- then I made Emma hold it up so I could get a better view and the funny thing is that I still have no idea what it really is?!?!?

Close-up

It is a large round thingamabob made up of smaller round circles soldered together. 

It isn't flat but it isn't quite a bowl either.

With the $14.00 price I couldn't pass it up even if I didn't know what I was going to use it for.

So I did what anyone would do. I brought it home and put it on our coffee table(for now).

I have always liked the combination of metal and wood so this fits right in. It also has an industrial chic look which I am so loving at the moment!

Do you have anything you have bought without knowing what it was or what it was really used for?
Also -- if anyone has any ideas on this piece I do hope you share your thoughts :)