I've done a bit of research on the designs- it looks to be that the little coats of arms are very similar to those of Florence, Italy, and the house of Medici. Perhaps a souvenir from the turn of the century? But... what for?

It's a book holder....adjust to as many bookes as you want it to hold.
That sort of gilt wooedn stuff was very popular in th50's and 60's...I had a tissue box with much the same sort of decoration.

Thanks Linda- always impressed at your ability to identify things for people :-)