I have owned this for many years and used it to hold string.  

String is dispensed through the hole in the top.  The beehive is very heavy which prevents it from slipping when the string is pulled.

Very realistic shape. 

Some of these had a string holder inside, but there is no evidence that this one ever had that.

7" wide x 6" tall.

Found in Connecticut and dating from the early 1900s.

$20 shipping