I think these were called "Fuzate" fuses. ?
Think of it as an old-timey, screw-in Edison base fuse with eight lives. (although your photo only shows six!!)
If the fuse blows, you just rotate it to the next position.
Replace after it blows for the last time.
Update:
Oops, at only 1/4" across, it's not an Edison base. (unless it's the guts to one)
Might be a similar type of fuse arrangement for an early radio or electronics device.
Ok sorry bout that here it is next to an educated stick! Thanks for replies Bowwinkles yea thought it was some kinda fuse,A2coins yea I was suspect that it was a Weird fuse,Anduril Far out! Think u nailed it! 6 fuses for the price of one, those were the days! Thanks everybody
Pepperj,The one here has 6 points or sides on it, and like the Edison one that Anduril mentioned, yours has 8. Maybe they came in an 8 and a 6?? Thanks