Material

iron
tin
iron

Dimensions

Height: 16 1/2" Width: 6 3/4" Depth: 3 3/8"

Creation Date

circa 1750 – 1840

Description

Tinned sheet iron grater, composed of a pierced and wire-edged half-cylinder with a double bead at either end, riveted along its side to a "U" shaped combination frame and handle of twisted wrought iron. A single iron strut spans the width of the piece below the top end of the pierced tin sheet. Tiny scrolled feet are formed at either end of the handle/frame component.

Another common found in both contemporary and early American kitchens is the perforated sheet metal food grater. Far more efficient than a chopping knife for reducing foodstuffs to very small bits, the use of such a device requires the risk of a skinned knuckle, should one's concentration wane. Similar in appearance to a punched lantern, graters were fairly easy to make, and would have been a staple of the items produced for sale by the local tinsmith.

Provenance

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Museum Purchase.

Kitchen Artifact ID

Acc. No. 1953-58