Can anyone Identify what this is?

[K2LRV]

OK so a co-worker found these stashed in his basement. Can anyone identify what it is and what is was used for?

(Click on photos for larger images)

[KB9BVN]

OK so a co-worker found these stashed in his basement. Can anyone identify what it is and what is was used for?

(Click on photos for larger images)

My guess is - a Tie hanger? a Belt hanger? a Flux Capacitor?

[K2LRV]

Some additional information:

Item is about 7.5" tall and the round base is about 3" in diameter
The cylinders in the center portion are free to roll, except the upper and lower ones which are fixed.
The home was previously owned by and electrical utility lineman, so we are leaning toward something from that industry, but we could be totally wrong on that.

[WF7A]

By chance, on the outside of the 'rails', is there a metal contact point for each cylinder?

[K9ASE]

It looks like a roller bearing of some sort. maybe it was part of something that slid in and out on a track

[KQ9J]

It's of extraterrestrial origin.

[WB2WIK]

Sure.

It's a 12-cylinder model of a thing that I have the 8-cylinder model of.

If I'm looking to upgrade mine to a "12," now I know who to ask.

[K2LRV]

By chance, on the outside of the 'rails', is there a metal contact point for each cylinder?

If by contact points you mean a hole that you can insert a test lead and contact the cylinder then yes.

[KC2SIZ]

I'm pretty sure that this was found in the wreckage in Roswell.

[N0SYA]

http://i.qkme.me/366p0b.jpg