Coffee table? Bench? Mahogany Assoc.  

I wonder if it's a phone bench? A phone would sit on the table end and the compartment below was for the phonebook. No reason you couldn't use it as a coffee table, just put a nice decorative tray on the slats for things that need a solid surface.

I don't think it has any significance historically or design-wise so knock yourself out in refinishing! Just proceed with caution if you're thinking about staining it---a lot of woods don't take stain well. Instead, they were often made to look like another species by adding tint to a clear finish.

Hi

This piece would look sweet at the end of the bed...with 3-5 Hermes cashmere blankets neatly folded and gently placed on the wooden slats. The drawer could be used to hide a pistol or an extra pair of false teeth. Should be refinished in India ink.

Hi.

Aunt Mark

+1 on the the India Ink and pistol

at the risk of sounding like a broken record, +1 on the ink, too

side eye on the pistol, unless it's a water pistol

extra false teeth: now I'm just thinking about all the reasons why someone would want two sets.

+1 for AM