Interesting piece …… that looks to me to be part of an antique drill press, ……. a device for the drilling of a hole(s) in items being manufactured. A “fer instance”, ------ like for “drilling” the legs and spindle “holes” in a chair seat.
And am I correct to assume that the “drill bit” can slide “freely” through both parts of the device that holds it?
Anyway, looking at the 4th photo, the base of the fixture appears to be made so that it can be “bolted” down to a work table or to a wall …..via those 2 notches one can see …… and the obvious 2 notches on the other side.
This picture for reference only.