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That is a great piece. It looks as if it is handmade, probably from the mid 1800s. Where did you find iT? Mart will know a lot about this piece. She is very good with primitives. I really love old kitchen items. I want that..
What is the size? Could be a nutmeg grater! On second glance, there isn't any grating area.For example this one has the grating teeth: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Hand-Made-Cheese-Grater-Wood-and-Tin-and-Nails-11-Shabby-/130827732018?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e75f0c432If the slots were more pronounced...it would have been used to slice items like ginger.Does it appear it has ever been hung on the wall? Is the inside worn? Have seen old items like this used to "funnel" dry good into bags (like rice, grits, etc)