Wooden Badlands "Do Nothing" Machine native craft I've found one similar set

I've found one similar set online (selling for $1500 for a set of 6) purchased in Venice in the 1960s

pens and assorted supplies

which I found at an estate sale in Acton

a form traditional to Tajikistan

10 1/8" wide x 9" deep x 4 1/2" tall

Wooden Badlands "Do Nothing" Machine native craft I've found one similar set"The perfect gift for that Special DO NOTHING Friend that Useless Necessity a Husband that Absolute Necessity a Wiife Designed for Those Who are Going in Either Direction and a Reduction Gear for Big Wheels!!! Don't Underestimate the Psychological Value of this Do Nothing." So reads the text on the back of this handheld amusement, produced by Pickles Gap Creek Crafts in Conway, Arkansas. And, indeed, it is pretty satisfying to turn the handle round