Here's a Whatsit? for You

Could be a honing board aka knife board. Spoon thingy holds honing oil. Special sandpaper for honing is held on the board by the butterfly thingy.

 

Yeah, I always kept one of those with my dolls.

 

would not the wood be darker and oily.........?

 

Yes if it had ever been used. Maybe this one is unused. Or maybe it is something else.

 

As if to hold something or keep it from slipping.....

 

hummmmm.....the teeth look less locking and more grasping....imo..

 

Sorry I haven't been back. It was a busy weekend.

That isn't a clip. It's screwed in place and doesn't move. It stands on 3 legs like a trivet and the teeth seem to be stops for whatever it holds.

I'm pretty sure it's some kind of trivet. The question is, what did it hold?

The whole thing isn't terribly sturdy to support heavy work.

 

Personal shoe shining stand. Polish goes in the little cup. The cleat supports the heel.

 

well...it's an idea !