Help! What is this item?

I am simply trying to figure out what this was used for! I cannot find its style anywhere on the internet. It does not have an marking that my mom could find (I'm researching for her) Any ideas?!?! She likes to keep her home "vintage" and would love to model this for what it was intended for, if it was for a good use. It could just be someones own creation! Thanks in advance!