What's this odd thing I found ?

[Fred]

I found this odd wooden thing yesterday tucked in the back of an old cupboard, I don't have a clue what it is. It's made of hardwood and has a hole in the bottom about the diameter of your small finger, the handle on the top has what looks like a broken spring attached to a piece of dowel which goes up and down.

If you do know what it is please send your answers on a postcard, or find a way of contacting me.