Would perhaps have held a conical vase?

that could be true.......thanks

Does it hold a magnet? Might be bronze. How big?

Magnet doesn't stick anywhere on it.........It is 13 1/2" tall and the base is 7" in diameter. It is pretty heavy.

I am guessing it's bronze then....nicely patinated.
But what it is? ? Hmmmmm.......
Probably did hold a vase....would something like this work?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Handmade-Hot-Conical-Wall-Clear-Terrarium-Vase-Wedding-Decoration-Home-Hydroponic-Office/32695847270.html?spm=2114.40010208.4.18.p3zMcJ

I actually have two glass ones like that but the size of the top circle (inside the cat heads) is only 1 and 3/4". very small

thank you

How tall is the piece?

Possible the base for an epergne? The "stems" in the glass parts are exaggeratedly skinny

HA, had to look that word up......but oh my, some beautiful glass on google. The top would take a skinny part.

Looks like a bud vase missing the glass

13 1/2" tall...........and pretty heavy

If the top ring were larger, it could be an umbrella stand. As is, its just large enough to park a walking cane.

I don't know anything about it, but I love it!

Ha.....that's what I said when I took it home from the yard sale.

Flag pole stand?

Are there any marks on under-side of the base? Interesting piece.

the base has a felt piece glued on........didn't want to take it off, but guess I will.

The OP's pic is a great example why it would be helpful to have something included for scale ie your hand, cell phone or currency. The knob at the base would prevent something from being seated properly so flagpole etc is ruled out. Is the knob threaded? If so unscrew it and look underneath. My "stab in the dark" is candleholder.

The knob isn't threaded and doesn't unscrew. I think candleholder might be a good guess. It would be a tall thin taper.

Fortune teller's crystal ball holder. Egyptians had strong believe fortune telling and after life. just my guess

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Brass-Display-Stand-Holder-for-Crystal-Ball-Gemstone-Sphere-Egg-LOT-/311749657592?hash=item4895ba43f8:g:zD0AAOSwB09YO0Lp

I would say that's a direct hit!!!
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/113726-french-art-deco-bronze-statue-of-naked

Bast cats works for me, OP put a ball on top & tell us what you see :)

I could put a glass ball on top...............

Ebay has a lot of different glass balls

thanks, I'll look on ebay