Antique half trunk or hat trunk.  I believe this is the kind that would be equivalent to today's "personal item" when boarding a plane.  Just what was needed for the time on the boat or train, accompanied by a carry on - a true steamer trunk (half height to fit under berths) which would have held clothes, etc.  "Checked bags" were large trunks handled by dock workers.  This one is ~20" across, ~17" high and ~16" deep.  Looks like it was refinished in the '80s and the person wanted to keep an antique look.  There's a tag with a name tacked to the top (Mrs. J. A. Mitchell) and some writing on the bottom which I'm not sure I'm reading correctly - "Mrs. Chiou, Palantine Bride?"  There are towns named Palantine in NY and IL.  Anyway, this would be a nice small trunk to display as is or refinish.