Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.
Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.
I've acquired this thing recently. It's solid wood and none of the parts move. The handle is firmly attached. It measures 14" tall. It comes with three different sized holes: 1-1/4", 1", and 7/8".
So far, my guesses are: misc. tool holder, tobacco pipe rack, communion cup holder, crochet needle holder, or shot glass flight tray. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
For crochet hooks?
I also see at least several not-identical-but-similar crochet hook holders when doing image searches, so the concept of "wooden crochet hook holder" can't be that unusual:
They have holes, in some cases of different size, and a center handle. That being said, all of the ones I saw seem to have this multi-level design, to be lighter, which OP's object doesn't.
Maybe a homemade version which would be easier to make; you'd just have to turn and drill holes into a hunk of wood.
And/Or multi-function purpose of being relatively sturdy enough to beat people with.
Dang, the handles on that set of hooks looks like it would be hard on the hand and fingers after using for a while, like blister-inducing.
I thought the holes went all the way through, so I was going to say some sort of tool for crochet/knitting.
A holder for crochet/knitting tools makes sense to me.
Thank you to everyone who commented. I think a crochet hook holder seems to be the most likely purpose. The different sized holes that the others have shown may confirm it. I like the masher idea but the holes don't go all the way through so that idea is out. I like the thought of using it as a gavel too, but that can't be it.
Drill index?
My guess would just be a pen holder, but surely it's more specialized than that.
That was my first guess too
that or a brush holder, which would explain the variable-size holes, since brush handle diameter can vary a lot. I did some image searches, but while I did find wooden holders, and for brushes variable-size holes, I couldn't find one that had a handle like OP's object. I don't think that one would normally pick up a pen holder.
It could be a vials holder.
It's probably not this but it kinda makes me think it's a decorative paper towel holder.
Even if it's not, it'd probably make for a good one!
Finger box from 1800's
Umbrella holder?
What about cocktail forks and other small utensils like that? Do you think the holes would be big enough for that?
At a glance that could work well to hold umbrellas with pointy tips
communion cup holder
I've never seen a communion cup set with different-sized cups. I don't think that that's it.
EDIT: Probably same argument applies against shot glass holder.
Meat tenderizer?
Do the holes go through to the bottom surface?
No, the holes don't go all the way through. But it's close.
Maybe a holder for pool/billards cues?
It looks like a big potatoe ricer. So I would guest a tool to smash something bigger than a potatoe. Having different hole size would change how thinly its smashed.
Someone else guessed a meat tenderizer. I was thinking a berry masher. But, as OP responded, the holes don't go all the way through, which all of those would require.