Featured Strangely Shaped Wooden Chest

I bought this strangely shaped wooden chest at an estate sale. Any ideas what it is? It is about 18" tall.

 

The plugged plywood is not terribly old

 

Looks like a one off bin that was made for the builders purpose - but who knows what that purpose was? If the bottom of the front swings up or is removable it kinda looks like something you would fill with feed for the chickens!

 

I think the plywood on the back is an old repair, since it goes over the hinges. Is that plywood on the front panel as well?

Looks like most of the rest is crate-wood sort of stuff.

What a strange profile. Can we see the inside?

 

Also, that side panel looks possibly Chestnut.

 

With the sloped hinged top,it look like a mail box.

 

Holly, I think so, too, or some sort of drop box for library or business...
Maybe that plywood repair is replacing the original glass or signage?

 

I'll guess a storage bin for potatoes or onions. Why it's pot bellied, I don't know.

 

I've seen similar ones used for potatoes, so that's my guess too.

 

because of it's size i would say onion bin

 

The two small mounting holes indicate that it was to be mounted on a wall and the planned contents would be very light in weight. Maybe for knotted newspaper rat tails to light wood stove? Tea bags? Giant kitchen matches?

 

I'm getting an Indian feel about this with those big tacks. I would think that small panel in the front should open so whatever is dropped in can come out. Otherwise why would it have the bump?

 

something akin to a podium recipe box........maybe ???

 

That plywood on the back is only partially covering the back, the bottom is a different wood. I wonder if it was an interior box to catch the mail coming in through an exterior mail slot.

 

The plywood could be a replacement for boards that were beaten into submission. The hinges don't look all that prehistoric either. This could be a 40s/50s shop class special.

 

Had it been on a wall, there is not clearance for the hinge to fully open.

 

just made from different pieces to accommodate something or other it is made to breath or dry what whatever is in it