Myself, and a few others, are trying to figure out what this is? Part a larger assembly? Thanks!!

I think it is missing some pieces.  Looks like a corn or bean planter to me.

Thanks! Could be, I haven't been able to find anything like it. I think it was mounted somewhere, notice the lag bolt? And that short piece of chain was ( I'm guessing) longer, or, attached to something else and passed through the hole,  or holes, in the bottom rail!

Interesting and very well made. The lag screw (s) ment to secure this to a bench or board. The ratchet, looks to be for a up lift lock. The remenant wire.. maybe something to sinch a wire loop. Wild guess... a tool used on corn broom making.
Joe B

Hello, Joe . Thanks for the reply! I agree with your ideas on the mechanism. I will check out the corn broom making idea!