This hand drill (or is it a multi tool) was in a box of older stuff I bought at a garage sale.  It is in great condition and the wood looks like one of the expensive types.  It appears to have a top and a bottom as there is a ring of leather between them.  I figured it would come apart, but as hard as I have tried it is as shown.  I have shaken it and it doesn't sound like anything is inside.  One other item, it has a circle of metal in the top of the top section.  No name on it anywhere.

Hello, Coolford. What do the chuck jaws look like? From what I see, I would say Tool Holder, or possibly a haft, or sewing awl. Regards, Lou

Hi---the jaws in the chuck make a 90 degree angle, probably made to accept square tools.  They open to just over 1/4 inch.  Should it come apart?

It certainly looks like it should come apart.  If you heat wood will it expand like metal?  Maybe you could hold the cap over a light bulb for minute or so and see if the cap loosens.  Be careful.

It is a tool handle.  The cap should come off to expose the hollow handle that holds the bits.  Maybe you will get lucky and someone jammed a few extra bits above the standard 8 or 10 in there.  They usually shake.  Tools that I have seen in them include brad awl (different sizes), awl (round and diamond), screwdriver (different sizes), gimlet (different sizes), saw, chisel (different sizes), reamer, tack lifter, and countersink.  Some have a wrench for the chuck if it is that type.

One of the very  first tools in my collection many years ago was a tool handle.  I had no idea what it was.  One day I was sitting around drinking a beer, and was shaking it.  I heard the bits inside and opened the end.  Our first dog liked to chew wood, and chewed it up.  So, I no longer have it.

Hello, Coolford. The wood threads on those caps are often found damaged, from cross threading , or over tightening. Could be swelled from moisture, humidity/damp storage. Maybe a hair dryer for heat. Good luck with your efforts, Lou

If heat doesn't work, put it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a day, and see if that frees it up.

Yes, multitool handle.  They're nifty little things, and that looks like a nice one.

Thanks for the ideas, will give them a try and report the results.

more often then not, someone has tried to repair the threads with plane ole' glue. If you wiggle the handle back and forth enough, it will probably come off. I do have the tools that would go in there. If it's a really beautiful handle and you get it loose, let me know

I'm still trying Bird!