Featured An unusual box

Small radio? Open at the top to drop it in and the tambour slides open to access knobs?

 

Looking at the pictures of tantaluses (a new term and concept for me), I'm wondering if the tambour door was so the box's contents could be seen when the box is on a high shelf? Or accessed without having to take the box down from the shelf?

Of course, if that were the case, why have a decorative lid that wouldn't be seen if the box is up high?

 

Reviving the Tambour Door
Mid-century favorite goes where other doors can’t
by Scott Ernst

http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/article/reviving-the-tambour-door.aspx#ixzz3gVYDdKtb