Nice Odd Trunk

Hello Everyone & Happy Safe New Year to All,

Can anyone tell me what type of trunk this is and what it might have been used for?

I have found this and a lot of other unique trunks in a family member's attic and basement. This one is nice and has a leather turtle shell like outside. It looks as if it held a specific item but I have no idea what and he has passed. I do know uncle worked at a large department store for years as a salesman and before that he worked at a factory. He was 92 years old last year and I have no idea how old it is either.

I think it's cool and am trying to think of some way to re-purpose it in my house.

Thanks