What is it ?

[Keith]

I found this in the kitchen of our home when we moved in,so I wonder if it may have been used in the kitchen.It is made of wood,looks and feels like Oak.

Thanks,God bless,Keith

[wendy177]

Hi Keith I have one just like it my mother used it with a large strainer shaped just like the wooden piece to mash  whole cooked apples through  the strainer to make apple sauce it was her mother's.

Take care Wendy

[Keith]

Thanks Wendy,I have a strainer just like that one.It also was here when we moved in.I would guess that is what my Aunt used it for.Would you have an idea as to how old it is? Would the two pieces have come together when purchased?

Thanks,and God bless,Keith

[wendy177]

As far as age over 70 years my grandmother had it when my mother was little, I used it with my grandmother  & mother when I was little  and she passed it to my mother & now to me. I still use it to make homemade applesauce with my little one who is now 5. I do not know if they were sold as a set. best applesauce ever!!!

Wendy

[KC]

These were commonplace in kitchens that made homemade preserves, applesauce, pureed foods (before food processors were ever thought or imagined).

It would be really hard to come up with the age on this one unless you knew origins.

I know people still use them.  Even some use them to shape home-made ice cream cones instead of buying the more expensive wood shapes specifically for them.

[cogar]

Would you have an idea as to how old it is? Would the two pieces have come together when purchased?

Keith, being the Devil's Advocate that I am, yours looks quite new to me and me thinks someone made it as a replacement. I say that because it looks to be made of Oak, which is not good for the purpose intended because Oak has a very porus grain which will absorb small quantites of whatever food item being processed ..... which makes for an incubator of molds and bacteria. When ya think of Oak, think of whiskey barrels "breathing".

[Keith]

Thanks to all,for the replies.I was glad to find out what it was used for.Both my kids have asked,and I can now tell them.

Thanks,God bless,Keith