A silent butler, sometimes called an ash butler, is a small container, often of base metal, sometimes silver or silverplate, with a handle and hinged cover, used for collecting ashes or crumbs.[1][2] They were more common prior to the modern period, and enjoyed some popularity as a home construction project in the US.[3][4][5] They are now often considered collector's items, or are valued for their retro appeal.[6]
Forgive my vanity but I do like the reference to "retro appeal" at the end. :-)