What is this?!

Just bought a house which is over 100 years old. Does anyone have any idea what this is? Is it worth anything? Should I try to preserve it?

 

I wonder if its some sort of grinder?

 

I can't tell; perhaps it is not complete? Could be part of a press, like for grapes or olives or such? Looks like it might have a trough to collect run-off.
Better photos might help.

 

Perhaps part of a flour-mill, missing the top stone?

 

It's a... Uh, when you put the...um...stuff in the round thing... Well, that tall part that looks like a guillotine, if you put...the...er....

 

I say...get er to the garden....it's a great lawn sculpture !
but ya...looks like it's missing parts..

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Ke...en-Wine-Grape-Apple-Fruit-Press-/322726851650

Something like that.

 

See if these pictures are better...
My biggest question is whether I should try to preserve it when I do my renovations...? Thoughts?

 

congrats on the house......where is it ?

 

There doesn't seem to be enough there to be worth preserving, unless you did want to rebuild it.

 

Are you somewhere where there were wells in the basement?

Many of the old houses here are built over springs, with the wells in the basement.

Maybe they filled in the well.

 

I'd sit something on it and call it solved. Maybe add a wooden tray and put the liquor bottles on it, if you drink the stuff.

 

Some kind of press, as Steve said. For oil, I think. The pressing part is missing, but should go through the wooden construction.
Couldn't find a picture of a big one, but here is an antique French table top oil press:

 

one logical thing to do is to try and check the history and former inhabitants of the house..that would give context in determining the nature of the items in the house
TTA

 

Don't know anything about it, but it looks really neat! It also looks like a permanent fixture!!! If you were going to make a wine cellar, I'd decorate around it!!

 

Are you in an area where Italians settled? Lots of olive trees?

Using AJ's idea for a press I looked up antique olive press. I think that is what you have.

Notice the round area for pressing with the well around it.
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/press-olive-oil-antique-illustration.html