Without a picture I can only surmise that you are talking about a crumb catcher, silent butler, ash butler, etc. There were several variations in basic styles with some resembling a dust pan with broom, a dust pan with a crumb knife and others fashioned as a hinged receptacle on a handle.
We really need to see a picture of yours and the maker's mark to fully help you.
These were commonly used up until the beginning of the 1900's and have since become collector items. The more ornate and unique the more collectible.