Looks like patch--> cone and then manipulation of vertices, and possibly increasing complexity with shift [ (or shift ] can't remember). Then just simple circle patches and thickening them for the base. Top base looks like a cone turned upside down and into the other cone.

Also when joining a curve or a circle patch like a simple pipe to a cone, don't worry about welding stuff or getting it to perfectly align, as long as stuff "looks" joined no one will know your curve patch actually sticks down 4 units into the cone or curve or whatever ;)