“It has stumped antique dealers for years and even 4 Antiques Roadshow appraisers yesterday. It is 8.5 inches long and the bowl is 2 inches in diameter.”
Answer: “It’s a piece of an old carpet stretcher.”
“It holds tacks used to nail the carpet down while you are stretching it with the stretcher. The curved notch is where you put the tack when ready, then nail it down.”
#17 it's also very practical because the tea dripping from the teabeg spills everywhere when you tilt the cup while drinking.