Watzit ?
 

Or watzat? Found in a universal carrier stowage box, where I suspect it does not belong. I am thinking the marking is International Harvester Corp.
Bronze/brass material. Anyone happen to know what it is? I do not.

Update: additional image.

Howard, the tube, IIRC is hollow, the end where the thumb appears is closed.

Thingamybob
 

Michael,
What does the top (the bit under your thumb) look like?
Is the shaft solid or tubular?
H