Rube Goldberg Was Not from Altadena

I've been up at the Altadena Historical Society a couple of times recently. Pasadena, too (yes, I've got a photo or two). When I asked Altadena archivist Sherry Cavallo if I could post a picture of this contraption she said "Please. Maybe someone can tell us what it is."

It looks scientific, and after all, plenty of scientists live in or have lived in Altadena. Richard Feynman, for one. The host of pie night, for another.

Isn't it gorgeous? Wouldn't you love to have it in your living room? Your parties would always be exciting.

What is it? Any guesses?