I believe this is a Butchers String Dispenser, that is missing the cut-off blade, or knife. I could not find one on google, even armed with the name stamped on the thing "The Griffith Laborartories Chicago". But, they were in the food culinary buisness starting in 1919. And, the fact that it came from a deseased butchers estate sale, where he had it mounted on a bench in his shop leads me to think this. He had no string or twine in it when I bought it, but looking at how it is made, and operates, this is my best WAG.? Any other Ideas appreciated.
PS. I think he probably used it to hold wires while tinning or soldering them, since he restored old Automobiles. And Yes, I think string went thru the "Eye" Donny B.
Wayne