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.