the things I find in drawers around here ...

For those who love food and history - any idea what this is? Three pieces, fit inside each other, with a perforated bottom piece that would fit over ... what, exactly? It is engraved with the name of my 3rd great grandmother (!) She was married in 1846, which is when I'm guessing she received this strange, gorgeous object. The things I find in drawers around here ...

Best guesses: used for steamed pudding, herbal tea, a butter dish