LOL I'm flattered Wayward! This does have a distinctly industrial look to me. Old school industrial. Due to the thick layer of hardened putty on the bottom of the inside of the spool, I can't tell if the bottom is rounded or not, but the whole concept of the webs (ribs, flanges) on the sides, along with the flanged ends, I think would only make sense for something that would wrap around it, like a belt, twine or line that you didn't want to slip off. It looks like the focus was on the exterior, that is where all the nicely done work is. The interior is more or less just hollowed out, but it all looks to be in very good balance, clearly turned on a lathe. I really think it's purpose was to spin, like on a winch. I'm just not sure what kind of a winch or for what. I am not sure if I could get the putty out without damaging the wood under it. It is rock hard, but I'll take a look at it.
