Some clues, possibly?
Does the hole go all the way through, or are there two separate holes?
The holes have different diameters? Hummm....? Why? Is something expanding under pressure?
If a single hole, is it uniformly tapered inside, or something else?
Are either of the holes threaded inside?
I wonder why the outside is fluted? Is this simply to save material, weight, or might it have something to do with its intended function?
Maybe just something to grip as you tighten it?
Without more to go on, I'm thinking this is just an extention bar (piece) for one of those industrial-looking "one-size-fits-all" mobile equipment mounting rigs.
For example, the kind you might have used to install a police radio in a car (maybe back in the 60's and early 70's)?
The laptop mounts they use today are a lot nicer, and look nothing like this. FYI.