help identify this odd scoop-like thing

[verakay]

My m-i-l grew up with this, says her family used it as a dinner-roll server.  It doesn't seem like it would be one, but I have to say it is too big to be a crumber/silent butler, and oriented in a way that only someone who has had it handed to them can access the contents.

Any other ideas on what its purpose might have been?

Saw one just like it on Etsy recently, but they just call it a scoop.   

[KC]

Haven't seen many of these around.  Nice piece.

It was a bread keeper/server that kept it nice and warm....like you said you had to have one hand it to you!

The style didn't stay very popular....people prefer passing the basket.

[verakay]

So this definitely means I owe Mom an apology - I said, oh it couldn't be!  It's too awkward!

But thanks for confirming - it has been driving me crazy wondering what else it could be.

[KC]

Awkward describes it very well!