15

Recently, while cleaning out my mother's kitchen, we came across this tool:

enter image description here

When closed, it is about 8 inches long (the box at the end is maybe 2 inches by 2 inches by an inch or so). The two sides come apart very easily. The tool is quite light-weight, and seems to be made of aluminum. Other than that, I have idea what it could be, and there seemed to be no identifying marks or branding.

Honestly, I would not be surprised to learn that it is not even a kitchen tool (my money is on Medieval torture device), but it came from one of the kitchen cabinets, so maybe it belongs there?

Improve this question
4
  • What’s the size of the compartment? And are there holes in it? (I don’t know what it is, but it might work as a citrus juicer)
    – Joe
    Oct 26, 2020 at 3:19
  • Yeah, I'd say juicer if it has holes, nutcracker if it doesn't.
    – FuzzyChef
    Oct 26, 2020 at 5:07
  • Incidentally, the idea of medieval torture devices was largely propaganda by people in the Victorian era as a way of making themselves look good. IIRC most of them were actually from the Early Modern period, if they existed at all.
    – nick012000
    Oct 28, 2020 at 4:54
  • @nick012000 Oh, indeed. But "Medieval" torture device sounds much better in a sentence than "Early modern" or "Bush era" torture device. And when making a joke, how it sounds in the ear matters, I think.
    – Xander Henderson
    Oct 28, 2020 at 12:11

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
19

This is an ice crusher.

Ice crusher

You put some cubes (or use your ice pick to cut a hunk off from a large block), put it in the compartment, and squeeze it closed. Those gnarly bumps and teeth will crush the ice.

I would personally consider it more "home bar equipment" for crushing ice for cocktails, though that's certainly not the only use. As mentioned in the comments, it probably doubles as a decent nutcracker, though that's not it's intended purpose.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Yup. I grew up with this exact model.
    – James McLeod
    Oct 26, 2020 at 12:28

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.