I also think that’s the middle of a screw-on freewheel that someone has taken the cogs off. Take the wheel and QR off and have a look down the middle. Fairly sure it’ll have some splines or notches and you’ll be able to take it off. If so, stick it in a bench vise and use the wheel to unscrew it. Or a big stilson or adjustable wrench ought to get hold of it.
I also think that’s the middle of a screw-on freewheel that someone has taken the cogs off. Take the wheel and QR off and have a look down the middle. Fairly sure it’ll have some splines or notches and you’ll be able to take it off. If so, stick it in a bench vise and use the wheel to unscrew it. Or a big stilson or adjustable wrench ought to get hold of it.