History mystery: What is it?

Suzanne VanHoever, an administrative assistant at the Carlton County Historical Society, sent us a picture of this item found there. “We have no idea what this is,” she said. “It’s made of wood and the round part on the bottom spins the stick. There is a small metal hook at the end of the stick.”

Can you help identify what this is? Send your information to news@PineKnot News.com with “History” in the subject line. If you have items and pictures that need some group think, send it along to History Mysteries as well, or stop by the Pine Knot News office at 122 Avenue C in Cloquet.