Help identify what the item was used for

What was this used for? It's a brass figurine. Late 19th century (I think). But I can't figure out what it was used for.

 

Would/could you post a photograph of the figure taken from straight on? Something to do with music one would assume from the iconography but hard to see.

Debora

 

.

 

Here:

 

I guess it was used to hold napkins.

 

Given the triangle and two wind instruments, it more likely had something to do with music. You haven't posted dimensions; would you be kind enough to do so?

Debora

 

Height about 20 cm.

 

It's very unlikely this object was used to store napkins. It was produced at a time when napkins were fabric-made and used for a period for time. That's why they were typically stored in individual napkin rings, so the member of the family a napkin belonged to could be identified and any stains were hidden.

Debora

 

Maybe a note holder?

 

Letter holder

 

Looks like it. What century is it? I think the end of the 19th

 

sounds about right..

 

That's what I was thinking. It's shaped wrong to hold sheet music, but perfectly to hold mail.

 

I'm the letter holder mindset ...

https://www.rubylane.com/item/986572-19-831/Ormolu-Gilt-Brass-Letter-Holder-Novelty

https://www.ebay.com/itm/384638424267

 

Is that possibly a date, mark or maker on the figure's foot at the top of the pedestal?? CLOSE-UP IS BELOW THIS FIRST IMAGE.........



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Another vote for letter holder.

 

Only thing that makes sense.

Debora

 

No. There is nothing there

 

I’d agree on letters. Nice ont too.