ive been asked by a friend if you can i.d this for him.its fairly old (its been restrung since)...he would appreciate any advice you may have.thanks in advance..

It looks to be a 19th century Chinese Rod and Sticks puzzle. They usually come as part of a larger set of puzzles, possibly all made from ivory.

The rods should slide freely up an down the strings. Once it's been tangled you'd have to try and untangle it again.

It is not a puzzle but a toy, you can slide the rods up and down and see the number and color of the strings change. This object was included in antique Chinese puzzle boxes with various ivory puzzles and toys.