"Ideal Washer"

[suze]

I bought an unusual item and I don't know what it is exactly.  I think it was used to push the wet laundry down in the water while washing them.  It has a long stick and on one end it looks similar to a metal funnel. The funnel has a hinged metal bottom with a metal piece across it to keep it from fully opening.  It says "Ideal Washer Patented Oct. 24, 1899.

[D&b antiques]

sear's & roebuck sold these under the ( ideal) name in circa 1900 as a washer for a large sum of $00.55 cent's. they were simply hand held agitators. good condition. $50.00 to $75.00 dollars.

[suze]

Thank you for the information!