This unusual item is called a hat blocker. The construction is 5 pieces of hardwood, possibly hard Maple. There are four removable pieces that fit on a central cube body. It is thought that it was used to stretch or display fashionable hats and it is probably from the late 19th or early 20th Century. It has been in the possession of a friend since the early 1970s. It was acquired from a 7th street northwest clothing store in Washington, D.C. that was forced to close because of subway construction. Chinatown bisects this street. This is not something that is found in clothing stores today and it would be a great addition to any collection of vintage hats. There are a couple of small and shallow surface chips that are visible in the photos below. Diameter = 23 cm ; Weight = 2284 gm