Metal Item unknown use

I had thought of that, some one told me a few years ago that it could be

some sort of a bun warmer,  I am just baffled by it, it is a pretty piece but we are

just puzzled as to what it might have been used for. I guess a Chafing dish is

probably the most logical use from how its made.

Have you ever seen a marking like the one on this? I had browsed the net

for months looking for a marking like this one, thought if i could figure out if

it was made by an aluminum, pewter or silver smith i could use that info to

narrow it down.

Thanks for your time, Carla