This old desk gadget is a vintage hand-crank pencil sharpener.
A pencil was inserted into one of the openings on the front while the handle on the side was turned. Inside, rotating cutters shaved the wood and graphite evenly to create a sharp point.
Sharpeners like this were once common in classrooms, offices, libraries, and home study areas before electric pencil sharpeners became widespread.
The correct answer is a vintage hand-crank pencil sharpener.


