American Empire Jelly Cupboard (?)

Hello all, I picked this up yesterday and hope someone on the site can help with identifying characteristics and possibly age for me. My assumption is that this piece is mid 1800's, pine and American Empire but I need verification. There are two turned 1/2 columns on the front, a scalloped shirt with block feet. It is 42 in. high, 44 inches wide and 20 in deep. There are two shelves ( mismatching) inside.

Dove tailed joints, wooden nails, some flathead style iron screws here and there. Door latch appears to be wrought iron and turns to release the latch.

The most curious details are two heavy iron handles attached to the back. We were told this was for lifting but that makes no sense at all.
The drawer has a lock with on key. Could this drawer have been sugar storage?

 

Handle detail ( one of two on backside)

 

It is pine and mid-19th century American but late classical rather than empire. It is a configuration not often seen. Possibly a base to a taller cabinet. Any evidence of this? We had a similar cabinet here recently that was determined to have been modified from a chest of drawers. The handles on the back are not original.

 

Hi there verybrad- no evidence of a top piece that I can tell. I am not sure if the handles were added for carrying, moving or traveling. So odd. I thought perhaps a chest of drawers originally but cannot see drawer slides anywhere. I suspect is has been altered as well. Would you gander a value to it?

 

Or a region? Pennsylvania maybe?

 

I have a sea captain's desk with handles that kind of look like that except the photo is not very clear. Can you get a better picture of the handle?

 

Agrees, late Classical, mid 19th century that has been altered for some reason or another.
Guesses this was converted to store canned goods, similar to a jelly cupboard but, it didn't start out that way I don't think, more likely a dresser.
Jelly cupboards are much more utilitarian, you don't see decorations like the turned columns or decorated bracket base.

Very little, guesses $100. or less.
The fact that it's been altered doesn't help here, actually, it hurts value.

 

Similar era, jelly cupboard, note the 2 drawers which is the usual configuration and plain feet. Sold on 11 bibs at ETBTH for $175.
https://www.ebth.com/items/8101123-antique-pine-jelly-cupboard