Well, I voted 'corn sheller'.
It does seem to be in a museum of early woodworking tools, but I think as an example of what was made with them.
It looks like it has a plunger that might be similar in diameter to a corn core, and staves that would press off the kernels.
And it might have an opening at the bottom to let the kernels drop through.
And I'd like a puppy, too (if I'm correct).
