Featured VIctorian die cut embossed cardboard letter holder? bill holder? what is it called?

It looks in amazing condition!

 

Yes, I hear you! Dummy Boards have largely been lost in the mists of time. I see them from time to time in very old furniture auctions but, it's kinda like RIVEN! CRICKET TABLE! bla bla bla.
I don't think anyone really knows their original purpose, many theories around.

"If you enjoy visiting country houses, now and again you’ll have probably come across the odd dummy board. ‘Dummy boards’ are flat, oil-painted trompe l’oeil figures. They are often life-sized (though sometimes smaller) and were placed around the house in halls, corridors, by fireplaces and on staircases. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, they originated in the early 17th century and were popular until the 19th century when they fell out of fashion. The figures usually resemble servants, soldiers, children and animals"
https://www.homesandantiques.com/antiques/collecting-guides-antiques/experts/what-is-a-dummy-board/

 

LOL, probably not, although similar to a dummy board they are designed to sell something, movie, car, yada yada yada.
Don't thing dummy boards were commercial in the sense of trying to sell you something.

 

Agrees dummy boards are a bit creepy. I walked into a client house a few years back that had life-size puppets sitting at the dining room table, my first thought? do I really want to be here!!!??? Client explained he had them out because grandkids were visiting and were for them.........

 

Hi,
I had a few dummy boards to cover the fireplace openings when they were not being used. I think the tallest was only 2 ft high. Anything bigger was just being creepy.
greg

 

One theory is, an 18th-century burglar alarm, life-size dummy board created at least the appearance of someone home when in fact, everyone was gone.

 

If you are selling it and it's a 19th-century piece, I would call it a dummy board, purpose unknown. And watch it FLY OFF THE sale shelf.

 

maybe Advertising for kite making company