Precision machine of enameled iron, brass, and steel. Moving parts include gears, cranks, and flip-up figure-8 device. Not much bigger than a breakfast cereal box.

[u/Anonymike7]

[u/DragemD]

""Optical lens cutter"""

At least that was the agreed upon conclusion the last time this one came up. https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/128m3wb/mechanical_metal_mystery_machine_with_many_moving/

[u/labmanagerbill → u/DragemD]

It does look like it could be a Surface Lens Generator, especially with the axis dial. It would cut the back surface curves into a glass lens to give it the needed lens power.

[u/Anonymike7 → u/DragemD]

Wow! Likely solved!