Congrats on your buy. I didn't realize the ReStores ever had discount coupons. I'll have to watch the newspaper. I've not been to ours very often, but I do go once in a while just to see what they have.

i have no idea but wanted to congratulate you on your find.

Y'all are right-- It's an inkwell. I have read a vintage ad for this model cabinet (somewhere online!) and it was sold as a dual-purpose sewing cabinet and writing desk. There is also a paper tray installed on the right side, behind the door and above the two big drawers. This tray does not pull out like the drawers, but has a cutout where you can reach in and pull out a sheet of writing paper!

There are variations of this desk. I've seen it in at least three colors, and the one I own doesn't have the inkwell, but rather a six-pin rack for thread spools in the inkwell location. These cabinets came with only the 201 or the 15 installed in them. They are wired and have their own foot controller built into the cabinet.

This is the "Art Deco" cabinet...

My favorite cabinet and it looks to be in pretty decent shape, too. And a 15 - very cool - you did get a steal. :)

What a great find!

Gorgeous machine and cabinet. What a great find!

Thank you to everyone for helping me to figure this mystery out.

I tried the water test, but no ink showed, just a little dust! This version has three drawers and no paper tray.

The drawers are labeled 9-776, and 7-776. Interesting trying to get the drawers out, you have to release a spring by poking a small screwdriver in a hole in the back bottom of the drawer. It's been fun exploring it!

Now I have another project for this summer!

I can only imagine what would happen if I had ink and fabric in that close proximity!

Looks like to me it would be for pins!

What a tremendous find!! If only it could talk, what tales it could tell! Congratulations:-)