stumbled across this and was wondering if anyone had any ideas, it looks like an old banger down draft setup.
I believe you are right. It's an early aftermarket Model A intake manifold by someone like R&R or Simmons. Most of those were actually inferior to the stock Ford manifold, but yours looks good and has the original linkage so, if you are planning to sell it, someone definitely will want it. You should try over at the Ford Barn site.