Picked this up at a muddy March flea market for two dollars. It has numbered notches and a rotating top plate, but no obvious way to attach it to anything. What is this thing?

Flea markets are treasure troves for obscure farm gadgets because they serve as repositories for items that have fallen out of everyday use. As farming technology advanced, many older tools were retired, ending up in barns, sheds, and eventually flea markets.

These markets offer a glimpse into the past, where collectors and enthusiasts can find items that tell the story of agricultural development. The availability of such gadgets reflects a broader interest in preserving history and the stories of those who worked the land with these tools.