Agreed, if you look closely at the lid, in between the blocks is a faint outline of something that rubbed the wood. Something specific went in there...
dang if I can imagine what it might have been tho...(something with a round gage?)
The black twist locks are standard window hardware, my basement windows used to have those...
The chain holding the lid is light fixture chain, I think after the 40's...
Either could be replacements of course...
Not much help, are we Bus - P