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Totally wild guess: perhaps it held pool balls?

I agree the holes look like you would put tall glass objects in so that they would not fall over
but
I would be VERY tempted to put cupcakes in them instead
Yay Cupcakes!!!!

Turntable?

another thought-maybe for sewing-those holes could hold the spools of thread

Lol, looks like an incubator. I imagine if that's what it was the smell would linger.

Seems too shallow for a bar cabinet - it would only hold short glasses closed...

...perhaps it's an Artist's cabinet - the holes would hold little pots of paint?

I'm intrigued. No idea.

Are there any more details available? A company name or model number stamped somewhere?

It kind of looks like a writing desk and those round holes would hold wells of ink

I am certain that was used as a bar. I found a turntable/bar console recently and it has a similar build: http://www.flickr.com/photos/letsgetdecadent/3053436016/

My vote is a bar cabinet, the smaller holes would hold bitters, and the low ball glasses. The bottom would be where you put the bottles of liqueur. Is the surface in the top a waterproof one? That would cinch it.

it's called a bar -- the holes would fit the old fashion and high ball glasses in place -- the bottom part would store the liquor bottles. You can open the top when you have a party and use the space to mix various cocktails.

Most definitely a bar cabinet

It's a nice piece and has lots of potential!

What is the diameter of the holes? From the photo, they don't seem like they'd be big enough for glasses.

99.9% certain it's a bar cabinet - glasses up top, bottles down below.

An exact replica of this is for sale on craigslist in Las Vegas. They are selling it as a bar cabinet. The below area is to store bottles and the top is to prepare the drinks.

I think it is charming, and If I did drink I would have snatched it up.

I'm thinking bar cabinet too, but I think the smaller holes along the back are for liqueur glasses. My parents had a set and they were about the diameter of a quarter and 2-3 inches high and all were different colors.

Obviously, a bar. Quite common; no great mystery.