Haviland - Purpose and Age Questions

I bought this after a quick search for the mark at the store. I thought it was from the 1894-1931 period under the category underglaze green marks according to this link.
https://www.havilandonline.com/backmark.htm Later I noticed that the same form was used also starting in 1946, but there was no discussion of color or where the mark was. Does anyone have a better source to help me determine which period it falls in?
Also what is it's purpose. It is small at 3 inches high, 3 inches wide and 4 inches long. It has a slit in the side, an opening in the top, a raised rectangle in the middle and a curved lip. At first, I thought napkin or place card holder but this does not account for the curved lip around the base. What gives? Lots of questions - please help.

 

It's a matchbox holder. The gap is so that the striking surface is accessible. Spent matches go in the bottom bit.

 

It's a matchbox holder, I believe. Hobbyist painted in an early 1900's style. I'm not sure where the 1946 date is coming from but I believe the original information you found on the mark is correct.

 

Would never have guessed this. Shows you how much fine dining I do. Thank you

 

Thank you so much as I told OBB I would never have guessed this matchbox thingThe 1946 date came from the same list just further down but I’m happy it’s the 1900’s. thank you

 

I've seen them in silver and silver plate, and also as part of smoking sets.

 

Didn’t realize that you’re supposed to have a separate a thing for your matchbox. And silver nonetheless. Ah to be posh and have to have a separate fancy thing for everything

 

Hi Kiko,
You should be glad you missed the "Victorian Era".
I went to a dinner one night that had 4 different knives, seven different forks and nine spoons. This was on top of 4 different drinking glasses and six different dinner plates. It was even more fancy than my usual 2 knives four forks and five spoons.
greg

 

Having a date for the green ware doesn't tell you when it was painted, though. I have also heard that the maker of the blank is not important when it is hobbyist painted.

 

You certainly lived a grand life. Whenever there are more than two forks, two spoons and two knives, I feel like the character in Pretty Woman. I would probably throw my snail on the floor too.

 

Janet, I was just interested in the age not it's value on the resale market. Many of the things I buy get donated back after a while. Learning from small things will make me more able to spot something good when it comes along. You all have helped me find some very nice things by educating me. I didn't know how to look before. I appreciate your insights very much. Kiko