Thank you to everyone who commented. I think a crochet hook holder seems to be the most likely purpose. The different sized holes that the others have shown may confirm it. I like the masher idea but the holes don’t go all the way through so that idea is out. I like the thought of using it as a gavel too, but that can’t be it.

No, the holes don’t go all the way through. But it’s close.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I think I’m going to agree with the posts that this is a cylindrical square. And most likely shop made. The four holes may have had a obscure use specific to the shop.

The thought did cross my mind early on.