Occasionally they used to show up at 'antique' auctions here, items shipped in a lot from the UK. Those I remember were late 19th- early 20th c. and built for people with space restrictions- lower middle class, to be politically incorrect.

One I remember was well-constructed of good woods and was attractive (I bought it for a daughter), but most were deal and had become wobbly over time. The one you found sounds like one of better quality. Over here (Canada), items like this were popular with young couples just starting out and living in small apartments.