Louisville Stoneware

I found this object earlier in the week at the Goodwill.  It's stamped on the bottom, so I know it's origin.  From what I read the company started in 1815 as Louisville Pottery and changed it's name in 1970 to "Louisville Stoneware", and in 2007 downsized to a very small company.  They are known for various patterns and also some company promotions, and bird baths and feeders.  I think this piece is a bird feeder.  It is 13" tall, has a hole in the side and a small wooden perch, a hole in the bottom with a plastic stopper, I assume for putting in seed,  and a couple of small holes on the underside at the top, I'm not sure what for.  I looked all over the internet for pictures of anything like it, and only found some small bird houses.  I'm wondering if anyone has ever seen anything like this. I called the company, still in business, but no response.   I appreciate your comments!

I can see how birds would love that

Might be a feeder or might be a bird nesting thing - I believe there are several bird species that nest in hanging gourds

Definitely a novel and interesting take on a nesting box. The large hole in the base wouldn't be a problem as the bird will build a nest inside the box, so no danger of the eggs or young birds falling through. The smaller holes at the top are possibly for ventilation.

Thanks for the feedback. There is a plastic plug for the large hole in the bottom, so that's why I'm assuming it's to fill it with seed, but I'll read up on nesting gourds! I'm going to take it in to a place that sells feeders and see what they think.

Ideal for Purple Martins, apparently. Just had a quick look on Google, making gourd nesting boxes is very popular at the moment as there's a shortage of natural nesting sites.