The one..the only....Whatchamacallit!!!
Do you know what this is? Email me at: dmvision@sbcglobal.net
History: This item was found in a steamer trunk belonging to my great grandmother. I have been trying to find out what it is ever since.
Suggested Answers |
|
melon baller |
Vegetable or fruit stem
clipper/trimmer |
ice cream scoop |
nutcracker |
tomato peeler |
thread/something with looms |
garlic peeler |
cork remover |
candlewick trimmer |
orange peeler |
Bottle or jug cork puller or remover |
plum or grape peeler |
Farm animal toenail/hoof clipper/trimmer |
Cigar or corncob pipe clipper/trimmer |
(Note: I am calling the silver metal pieces inside the bowl "blades" but I don't really know if that is what they were. All measurements are approximate.)
Inside of bowl with metal blades(?) and metal prong. The inside of the bowl is worn between the blades and slightly under the blades.. The thickness of the wood edge is about 1/2 inch. The prong is 1" long and the blades are 1/2 wide and 3" long. The edges of the blades are NOT serrated. The bowl diameter from outer edge to outer edge is 3" and the inner diameter is about 2". |
Bowl shown without metal pieces. Note the wear between the blades. |
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Back of bowl with handle |
Metal prong that fits inside bowl |
End of handle. The silver end has the following notations around the edge: PAT Feb. 19th 1876. The spring does work. When the larger circular metal piece at the very end is pushed down, compressing the spring, a small hole can be seen on the metal piece underneath it that culminates in the small metal circle at the very end of the handle. |
This piece fits into the bowl. The blades are then attached to it forming a "V" in the bowl and the metal prong is screwed on. |
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Taken apart |
Bowl with "blades" clicked into place under lip |
The end of the metal/spring section showing patent info. You can see it is written around the shaft end. It says "Pat. Feb. 19th 1876." |
Metal end/spring compressed to reveal hole in shaft |
Other Information: The item appears to be made of thick wood and of good quality. The handle and back of the bowl are polished and finished. I haven't been able to find anything with the Patent date. I've contacted antique appraisers and I took it to the Antique Roadshow folks when they were in Denver. No one knew what it was.
It's been many years of trying to figure this out..and I'm hoping that I can finally end the mystery.
I will post all answers to any questions someone might have in regards to the details of this item on this website!
I thank you all in advance!! I think we have a real mystery here!