Here are some pix of a very curious table/stand with an open out box

Can anyone tell me what it is please?

The top box opens up at the top and front with a sort of spring contraption inside.  It also has a slanted box. Well, it’s hard to explain. Here’s a photo. Can you tell me what it is?
Thanks!

[Historical image from www.muddypaws.com — no longer available]

[Historical image from www.muddypaws.com — no longer available]

[Historical image from www.muddypaws.com — no longer available]

Thanks very much!
DQ
Washington, D.C.

I'm thinking that it might have come from a church

I think you put your bottles of booze in the box on top and your bible on the bottom to repent for the booze.

Could this have been some kind of toiletry or shaving stand?  Are there any signs that a mirror was mounted inside the lid? I don't think a piece of church furniture would have an unadorned back and be designed to sit against a wall.  You could fit a water basin and shaving stuff inside the box and quickly access simply by opening the lid.  I have seen other toiletry/shaving cabinets with this same idea.

Paul Tucker

That's an idea -- I'll take a look to  see if a mirror could have been there.
The thing is, it's such a clean piece of furniture- no evidence of anything with water ever being in there!

could it be a victorian shaving box??

Perhaps it held an early typewriter.  The box would keep the dust out when not in use and the sloped shelf might be a foot rest.

That might work, except there is no room for any kind of paper or workspace at all.

Seems odd that it is made of pine?