I figured this one out, but thought I would post it

[Catch22!]

I was over in a friend's storage yard and he had a number of these.  They are about 6 feel long and have a metal band around the bottom. The label says OshKosh Tools MFR'D by Leach Company Oshkosh Wisconsin.

Some of the old phone company folks probably know this tool.

[geneg]

I thought I knew, but then I cheated & looked it up.  Good to see a company with that kind of history still in the U.S.A.

[international3414]

grew up with relatives that worked for the phone co.,never remember seeing one...guessing its for tamping around newly set poles

[Catch22!]

Yes.  Telephone pole tamper.