What was this piece of furniture used for? Age? It locks

The bottom pic is the front, I'm guessing, with a lock on it. My first thought was some type of sewing thingy but I do not know why. Those 4 things on top look like cups or candle holders or something like it. The clamp is metal. I have never seen anything like it. I am thinking it is antique. Any guesses on what it is, style, era, wood???

Thank you for any help

 

Smoking stand ?

 

I've heard of that but I don't think I've ever seen one. Gonna look it up now. ty

 

I think we've seen something very similar at some point (but not very recently.) Johnny's on the right track, I suspect.

 

i'd say smoke stand also. Cups for match sticks. Clip thing for matchbox, and center area for an ashtray to set in. The ashtray hole looks a bit rough cut, so I wonder if someone didn't convert the piece into what you see now.

 

match holder
ashtray in the center......yup...smokers stand.

 

Thank you! I would have never guessed Any idea on the age? Do the cups hold pipes?

 

matches....smokes....pipes would be set in a lay down stand...or side holes...

 

More likely original. The hole was not meant to be seen since the ashtray fit down in and over with a flange. Will have to be on the lookout for an ashtray to fit it.

 

Thank you everyone!