My Goodness. I'm getting responses from the 4-Star Generals of HT! Ok, sure. He might have used it for anything BUT what was the original use of this counter? It was not a production shop, so thats out. It was literally just a basement. He was a collector of the highest degree, meaning if the price was right, he would buy it. Maybe two. As he didnt do production of any kind, your guesses are valid and interesting but alas, probably not accurate. I can't see him putiing it on the wall. My gut is telling me it's got something to do with a utility. (Electric, Propane, Phone). I can imagine a service provider or installer putting these at all of the customer's home for a quick 2 digit number for the next guy. I just don't know. I REALLY appreaciate your reply. Nice job confounding the heirs! Haha. Come to think of it, my kids will probably be quite perplexed. For a while, I'd hang up the butt of each Christmas tree after making the bottom cut. Why? Damned if I know!