Antique / Vintage Millinery Hat Stand made of Metal with a Wood Knob.  Patent # dates to 1932 to Peerless Novelty Company of Grand Haven, Michigan.  No name on this stand.  9 1/2" tall.  The stand could be used in a store to display a hat on top and slip the bottom ring base under a shelf with the bent portion on top of the shelf like a clamp.  It has a spring in the middle to provide flexibility.  I suspect the string is used to bend the stand upward if base is clamped horizontally (see last picture).  It could also be used without clamping.    It is in very good condition - wood knob has some scuffs; metal has some discoloration.  Unique item.