Guess what this is

[Fern]

For some reason the first thing that came to my mind was also some invention that has connection with electricity, studying thunderbolts or something...
I wouldn't be surprised to find similar looking items in Tesla's room.
A perpetuum mobile generating... something. Dunno.

Edit: My newest guess: a "prehistoric" lighter. You put some flammable liquid in the tray, spin the bulbs that generate a spark that lights the fire - you light your cigar.

[donaud]

Neither, nor.

The tray DOES rbs

EDIT: There IS an aspect of perpetual motion involved with it.


.

[RBS]

Still reminds me of a perpetual motion machine. The tray on top invites something.

[linkinpark333]

reminds me of a hourglass

[funja]

is it a timer