This is loosely based on a photo of a similar thing that was described as a "Wall Pocket". Not sure what you'd put in it, maybe wooden matches or your house keys? Could be a good Christmas gift for someone who likes colonial style stuff if you have a scroll saw.
Maybe mail? I'm pretty sure I remember something like that in my grandmas house when I was young. The matches were in a cast iron holder by the stove with a striker built in.
Funny, When my wife and I were dating we'd go back to her place. Walking up to the door she'd open the mailbox and flip through her mail like it was a Rolodex. She'd pull one item out and leave the rest, sometimes it was overflowing. I asked her about it one time, she said they are bills I can't pay, so no use in bringing them inside.