I don't know, really...are we allowed to post that sort of thing here at AK?Picked this up at an antique mall, it was tagged as a whatsamacallit.
That is a cabinet lock. Before cylinder locks existed, such devices were used to secure cabinets, chests, and the like. it took a few minutes to unlock this gizmo, and it made a bunch of noise while you did so.
I'll take any I can get, really enjoy the challenge.
Here's the one I made as a finished product I gave as gifts.
View attachment 1086213