My guess - and it is only a guess - is that it was used to hold some food item upright. I'm thinking maybe bread slices... or waffles.... ???  again, only a guess.

I did a Google search and  I came up with this website.  If you don't get an answer hear, maybe check out that website.  There is an email address listed. Maybe send an email with your pics. I get the impression they may be familiar with the Carrlsbad Vienna products.