I seen this in a game I was playing. It isn't a door you can open?

I may be missing the joke here, but the second picture shows what it looks like with the door open.

When i initially seen this door i immediately thought of a coal shoot, but after seeing the pic with the door open now i am not sure.

Back in those days i believe they delivered ice. An Era before home refrigerators. Put ice in with some food and one got a mini refrigerator...of course, this is a complete guess

A safe?

I am sorry, big002, I didn't mean to make it look like a joke. I am serious. I play many games, mostly about old haunted houses. It was in a game I was playing. The grapics are beautiful. The games of today have come a long way. I didn't see the door being open. I hope I didn't offend you. I meant not too.

Loving old houses, this picture is so very interesting. I wish I had seen it, I am going to seeif I can find an old house with it in it. Must of been about the 1880's

Another thought: maybe post your question over at GardenWeb, or This Old House? And then post the answer(s) back here, as I'm curious, too.!

Good sleuthing - and thanks for sharing the answer! What does the lettering at the back of the "box" say?