looks like a garlic press, but that would be too obvious and besides, it is missing the press part...I am stumped...LindaC will know.

Jo

No idea but based on the construction of the handles it would look to me like the hand action is outward rather than inward. Not that this helps me form any guesses...

(1) Ask Cathy, the gadget queen

(2) Cooks Illustrated has a 'gadget of the month' puzzler; this one sounds perfect

(3) Please update us on whats going on with you, especially on the kitty front!

This looks to me like some kind of bottle opener or bottle top sealer, like for home production of root beer. If we could see a close up of the top workings of the gadget that might provide more insight. I first thought meatballer - but no, not round enough on top.

Teresa

I have met an interesting lady Gloria K. She has her kitchen walls completely covered with antique kitchen gadgets, every square inch, all museum quality.

One of them is just like the one shown, except with wooden handles. She explained to me what that was for, but I have forgotten. The only thing I seem to remember is that the top edges are very sharp, it was used for cutting into something.

dcarch

Kitties good. :) Snickers was on death's door earlier this year... she had a convergence of medical issues and had to have her little chest drained of fluid five times. The vet was starting to talk the Big Sleep the last time and I said I wanted Vicki to be able to say goodbye so not this time, maybe next time she needed it. Well, wouldn't you know it, she rallied and has been fine ever since and that was about six months ago. Little girl wants to stay on the planet longer. Everyone else is fine. Thanks for asking, ej.

My sister just got married last week, which is why we were at the B&B. Nice DIY wedding in a beautiful setting in Arizona.

My little photo business is really keeping me hopping on weekends so that's pretty great.

I have more pictures of this thing. I'll post when I get a chance. Thanks for taking the time to look at it! It is a puzzler.

Hi there! Long time no see, good to hear that things are well and busy for you.

About that tool... what is the range of travel in the hinge?

Looks like it's for squeezing/juicing perhaps.

Diana, I'm so glad to see you here again! I'm also happy your kitty is doing better.

I have no idea what the gadget is, though....

Annie

Hi Diana, nice to see you again. Maybe it's to squeeze grapes for grape juice??

Looks like some kind of instrument of torture.

Hey Pam and Annie and Helene! And my friend Theresa from NC! Yeah, torture... that could be it. I have deleted several things I was going to write, all revolving around... oh, no I still can't write that.

Maybe Cathy and LindaC will know. Hope they check in. I'll look at the other pictures and see if they reveal any more detail. I recall it opened pretty far. I may have some that show the range. I'll look tonight!

It opens 180 degrees, as I remember.

dcarch

Hi Di! Nutcracker?

Hey Gina! How's it going?

I think I found it! Check this out. Still can't figure out exactly how it's useful but I'm pretty sure I found a relative from this one's family tree.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fruit Corer

By the way, the place we stayed made pies for the guests every day. We had key lime (not my favorite but Vicki loves it), great pumpkin pie and an unbelievable pear raspberry!

Gina, how's your niece?

Here is a link that might be useful: Corer #2

That can be very useful for taking the core out of an apple or pear once you have cut the fruit in half.

dcarch

I have deleted several things I was going to write, all revolving around... oh, no I still can't write that.

That hasn't ever stopped me....how is Weed, anyways.

Thanks for the updates! Give those kitties all a hug. And Vicki too!

Niece is holding steady, not much to report lately.

I like B&Bs because of the homecooked meals and desserts. Pies every day - what's not to like!

Sorry to disappoint, but I don't know about anything antique, gadget or otherwise. But thanks for thinking of me. I am also waiting for this gadget to be identified.