Antique gadget I.D.

[Gravytrain]

I just bought a new farm with a barn that the previous owner has been cleaning out. He's still moving some things out of it and showed me a piece and asked if I had any idea what it was. It has been in the barn for over 40 years.

I told him I bet someone on here would have an idea. It consists of a cylinder that fits inside a larger wheel. It appears to be made out of chestnut and has hooks on both parts.

Well...let's hear some ideas folk. Thanks in advance!

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[farmrbrown]

I don't know, but I'm keeping an eye on this thread because I'm intrigued!

A few weeks ago I saw a show on glass making and I think the old guy making the molds used chestnut wood because of its hardness.
Maybe a clue?

[vicker]

It almost looks like some kind of clutch mechanism for an old wide belt drive or something. It's a sure enough thingamagiggy. I'm wanting to know too.

[farmrbrown]

Yeah, it's got too many cracks and crevasses for a mold, I think, but and axle hub or a winding device for wire or rope, spinning on a shaft may be more like it.

[Fishindude]

It almost looks like some kind of clutch mechanism for an old wide belt drive or something. It's a sure enough thingamagiggy. I'm wanting to know too

Kind of my thoughts as well. Maybe part of a belt drive for some type of grainery mill equipment?

[FarmboyBill]

looks like a manufactured OR homemade pulley