A Whatchamacallit

I found this in a shop yesterday. This is pretty cool visually and design aspect wise. It was only a twoonie ($2) so I bought this little mystery. 

It's two parts wood with a metal cylinder (with spikes in it) that counterbalances to hold it upright.

Is it a candle holder? There is no wax residue. Is it missing a part? As far as what it is and it's use, we haven't the faintest. 

Does anyone know? Feel free to submit your ideas or hard fact knowledge of what this thing is.