McClary Royal Charm Coal and Wood Stove

[Hughton]

I have been using my McCLary Wood stove for many seasons at a summer cottage and it is working well. I never really looked at it too closely before now and am curious to know the function of the box attached at the back behind the fire box and beside the flu. Does anyone know if there a reason or a way to open it up for cleaning?
Here is a photo of the front and back of the stove.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Is it open on top or bottom? It might be heat shielding. If closed up completely, it might hold an asbestos panel.

 

[Hughton]

Is it open on top or bottom? It might be heat shielding. If closed up completely, it might hold an asbestos panel.

Thanks for your response! It is not open on top or botton and is solidly bolted on to the stove back.

 

[begreen]

It does look like that might be heat shielding unless there are ports on it. If there are ports, then maybe a water jacket?

What is behind the tiled wall? The stove pipe looks too close. If single-wall, it needs to be at least 18" from the nearest combustibles. If this is a stud wall with tiled cement board, then the studs are the nearest combustible.