Can Anyone Identify this Piece

Does anyone know what this is or what it's used for? It's not very big - about 5" long, 3" across and 3" tall. The wheel inside is grooved on the top and spins around. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks!

 

What's it made of?

 

It's metal - probably strap iron.

 

more pics please
it's missing something on the top....maybe a feeder....
looks like the wheel...is meant to disturb the contents..

 

It looks like a string-dunking device of some sort. I've seen Japanese chalk-line tools that had such a pulley. I'd expect to see some wear at the grooves in the box, though.

 

It looks industrial, possibly shop-made. Does the pulley spindle fit firmly or is it a loose fit?

I can see it being used as a cooling/coating tool for drawn wire or maybe some sort of cordage, but the pulley would have to bear some upward tension.

 

It is a loose fit. It can bear some upward tension but not much.

 

Could it be for oiling leather lacing?

 

.....or some similar work. If the pulley projects above the box (it looks like it does, slightly,) the work could just be drawn across the top through those grooves?

Any use-wear? Idea of origin?

 

No apparent use-wear. No idea of origin.