Hi, first-time poster here! Any knowledge is greatly appreciated.
I recently acquired a table about 3' tall with an extra shelf and a cabinet, and I am wondering the curious use of the cabinet. It is lined all around with sheet-metal (tin?), and inside the door is a removable device that looks like (but isn't) a filter. The device is copper and removable, and the face is covered with holes and is filled with an unknown non-metal material. The device reminds me of those little humidor "coins" you can saturate with water to keep tobacco moist.
Any ideas what the original purpose of this table / cabinet might be?