What IS This Object?

I received a text from Chad the other day telling me that our good friends and loyal listeners Huggie Bear and Sheila Hayden had gotten something for me at a yard sale. Naturally, I was very intrigued.

When they brought it in they asked to guess what it was. I had no idea. I had never seen one before. I did think it was pretty old--had kind of a colonial look.

Indeed, it is an antique. And it's a very useful item...under certain dire circumstances. Do you know what it is? Make your guesses and I'll reveal the answer  tomorrow.