Is this a variable resistor?
No, they're certainly not variable resistors but coils for tuned circuits of a vintage TV set.
The moulded channel strips, from a vintage colour TV turret tuner, carry channel coils wired to rivet-like contacts.
Picture courtesy: rfcafe.com

https://www.rfcafe.com/references/popular-electronics/taming-tv-tuner-popular-electronics-march-1967.htm