What is this and how was it photographed & processed?

by Sean Setters
 
Let's have some fun this morning with a little guessing game. I photographed the item seen above yesterday in the studio. Here's what I want to know:
 

• What is the device and what is the device's purpose?
• How was the item lit?
• What post-processing technique was used to create the final look of the image?

For those that frequent the site regularly, the first two answers may be relatively easy to guess. The third [rather vague] question may not be.
 
Provide your guesses in the comments. I'll post the answers at noon today.

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