While much like a soil sifter in nature, because it has a single handle I'm going to guess it is a strainer used to lift fruit/vegetables out of a larger cooking vessel. Items intended for home use were frequently canned at events where several households got together and prepared large batches to conserve time, human energy, and fuel.

Best Wishes--Carl
Atlanta, GA

PS--With my luck, it will turn out to be a pebble counter.--cgc--

Or get the bones out of the chicken soup?

Crackling remover in lard cooking boiler shelter tool.