Anyone know what these were used for?

I picked up a couple of little dishes at a yard sale and i was wondering if anyone knew what they may have been used for.
They have a registerd number on the reverse side of the dish that dates them to around 1889 but no other markings. They measure appx. 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 inches square,very light tan in color with two flowers on each side of the square and a a raised design around the rim of circles with a dot cross pattern inside the circles.
Any help of possible use or maker would be greatly appreciated. Thanks antiquers!

 

It appears to be a butter pat.

Debora

 

Thanks Debora I guess that would be the only practical application considering the size.

 

...and the marks! ;-)

 

I had some very similar years ago and put my used tea bags in them. That could explain the stains.

 

These are the same pattern, but bigger and square. Could one be salts?
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-set-brown-floral-transferware-1858460939

 

Never mind; I see the pattern--Johnson Brothers Sylvan--was made on more than one blank, so they are probably both butter pats.

 

Very helpful information. I would like to thank you all once again.

 

Or salt dips. Did butter come in 'pats' in the 19th century?