Okay, I played with it a little more investigatively. I find that the ball and socket does seem ill-fitting. It is what it is, but at least I know that it is indeed a Griswold base -- thanks again. :)
Here's some photos I took while playing detective with the piece. I assume that the fit is usually not this... sloppy, in this variation of waffle iron, yes? The 1922 patented waffle iron that is my only other sample has a fit like a good knee.
It's hard to tell in this first photo, but there's a lot of space between the ball and the socket.

Another perspective trying to show gap:

Next, this image shows that the socket is much deeper than the hinge ball.

Another perspective:

Just the socket:
