L. E. Smith Unfinished Basket?

I purchased this at a Goodwill in Latrobe, PA which is 10-20 miles from the L.E. Smith production plants in Jeanette/ Mount Pleasant/Greensburg. It has a 2” sheared off defect at the base and looks identical to their basket without the handles. I am wondering if this is a production reject that was taken home by an employee. I am guessing it stayed close to home and was never intended for sale or circulation. I do know that Waterford employees could make artisan pieces for themselves. Curious to the practices of the day and if this is rare. I think it would look lovely as a candy dish by the basket.