I didn't know what this was when I found it, I just loved it as an object, super satisfying formally, and very satisfying too sliding the hour glass shaped iron weight to and fro. Someone standing nearby, through, explained to both me and the dealer I purchased it from that it is an ice chipper, with that center weight helping to lend some force to the point of the pick when used to chip away at a block of ice. Brilliant, and beautiful. 

11 1/4" l x 1 3/8" wide and deep. Excellent condition, I believe antique.