It is a box a quizenare rods (incorrect spelling probably).The rods were used in primary schools some forty years ago to teach children maths. Not very successful that is for sure. I have children now in their forties who never got to learn their times tables because of the implementation of those rods.Someone in the education system soon realized try were a con and banished them.
Looks as though someone has kept as set for old times sake.
