Antique surprise bars, also called pop-up or hideaway bars, were pieces of furniture designed to conceal a set of glassware and bottles, which were revealed by a clever mechanism when opened. In addition to the glassware and bottles, sometimes the surprise bars included a serving tray, ash tray, humidor, etc.  These bars were designed for practicality as well as aesthetic purposes, often a discreet way to store and serve drinks for the wealthy.  They were very popular at the end of the 19th century in particular, and made of fine woods, sometimes with inlay.