Probably wrong but my grandmother told me that something similar to this was used to place calling cards when the person they were calling on was not available.

I had thought of that too, but it seemed a bit shallow. But hey, perhaps calling cards were smaller than I think. Thanks!

The ones that my grandmother used and the ones she kept were sometimes the size of the average credit card. Most were smaller but it depended on if they had room for a message. Some of them had a central place for a signature the one I remember most had pressed lace edges. I do not know if these were what was used by all women but the women in her family seemed to like ones with some decoration be it the pressed lace or what appeared to be hand painted small flowers.

Edited to add that in the picture it appears that one side was taller than the other one. That would perhaps allow the cards to be laid against the taller size if it is taller.

Let's see the markings on the bottom. The age will help determine the use...
I would say crackers....definitely not a calling card tray. They were small trays which were placed in the front hall to receive cards of callers who called when you were not "receiving"

Darn, I should have known to look at the bottom. Unfortunately, I'm no longer at the B&B, but perhaps I can have the owner take a pic and send it to me (he is a friend). I like your crackers suggestion.

Might it be for toilet items like soap or towels?

Have to be a fairly tiny towel.

Hmmm...maybe a holder for pens, or letters?

Were breadsticks ever served way back when? My first thought was celery or asparagus but moisture would leak on to the fine linen tablecloth.

Nice work, mary!

Mary, thanks so much!