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.

No, the holes don’t go all the way through. But it’s close.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I think I’m going to agree with the posts that this is a cylindrical square. And most likely shop made. The four holes may have had a obscure use specific to the shop.

The thought did cross my mind early on.

On Saturday, I’ll be attending a retirement dinner for my mom. It’ll be the first time she’ll get to try authentic Indian food. Then on Sunday I’d like to get my metal detector out with my new coil that I got for Christmas. Hopefully the ground won’t be too frozen.