Please, what is this kitchenware item ?

[Ferannia]

Do you ever buy something you have no idea what it is used for ? I got it for $1 in a thrift store, kitchenware section. It consists of three parts, all stainless steel.

Weight: 8.5oz (241g),
Diameter: 3.425" (87mm),
Height (all parts together): 2.755" (70mm).

There is a little net within a tiny ring with a screw thread, and is attached to a concave bottom part. A convex handle is all one piece, and is carved in a fine pattern.

There were suggestions it is used as a strainer on the bottom of a pot to make a tea, however, it is impossible to fasten the net (ring) upside down to get a convex net and make a space for tea leaves.

To me it also seems unlikely it was made as a garlic mincer/presser; there is no any space between the attached net and the bottom.

Other people suggested it is a spice grinder, but it seems very strange to grind hard spices against the tiny net.

Please help solve the mystery.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1379/nesto2pe1.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1406/nestoua3.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/9541/pict0197zs4.jpg

[Fnord5]

It is a grinder, or press of some sort.
Perhaps the bowl part is just there to protect the mesh when not in use?

Edit*
It looks really really familiar.......

[mckolit]

It's a strainer, stopper for old fashioned bath tubs. :biggrin1: Good luck in identifying the item.

[Kouros]

It is called a tea infuser and they are still made to this day by Kitchenware, albeit a slightly different design.

[rickboone1]

My guess was used for tea.

[Ferannia]

All right, if it is really a tea infuser, how it is supposed to be used ? There is just no room to load a tea. Once the mesh is locked in a position, it tightly sticks to the concave heavy bottom. Not a flea can get between the heavy bottom and the mesh.
The mesh can't be locked upside down to the heavy bottom in order to make room for tea leaves. What and how the convex carved handle is used for ?

[Dharion]

My guess is that it sits on top of your cup, then the tea gos on the net and you pour hot water on it. Then, after a couple of minutes, the handle is used to remove any water from the tea by pressing it down on the net.

(this is awkward if it's not for tea :blink:)

[arghblech]

(this is awkward if it's not for tea :blink:)

It's even more awkward if it is for tea.

It looks like it might be used for grating or crushing something. My first though was an herb bruiser. Used to help get the oils in the leaf exposed to air.

Is the pattern on the bottom of the handle interesting? Is it raised? Does it feel sharp or pointy at all?

[Fnord5]

This is driving me nuts now, I know I have seen it before, but cannot place it.
:sneaky2:

[Jim]

Its a very specialized tool, carefully designed to remove the gelatin from a can of spam.



















:lol:

[Fnord5]

You are no help at all Jim.


:lol:

[Jim]

You are no help at all Jim.


:lol:

I try, but I would also like to know.

[Dennis]

Send a picture to Cooks Illustrated. They have a feature in their magazine every month on "What is This" kinda thing. They should be able to help.

[Fnord5]

It has to be a mortar and pestle, Check these pictures out:
http://images.luckyvitamin.com/mgen/merchandizer:78513.jpg (too big to embed)
http://www.laruso.ca/images/Mort_GKHG65786_8967574CGVHJKHB.jpg

[Fnord5]

If you are not interested in keeping it, let me know. :tongue_sm

[Ferannia]

It has to be a mortar and pestle, Check these pictures out:
http://images.luckyvitamin.com/mgen/merchandizer:78513.jpg (too big to embed)
http://www.laruso.ca/images/Mort_GKHG65786_8967574CGVHJKHB.jpg

Thank you for recognizing it. Finally, searching web pages for correct keywords mortar and pestle, I found some of very similar design. I must admit I was totally confused, I've never seen such a wide pestle, or a mortar with a mesh. But, yes, they exist, I see.

I will keep it; it looks nice in a kitchen, and I will certainly use it.

[Miles]

I bet that thing would rip hell through some sesame seeds, which are a true PITA to grind by hand.

[ladder44]

Send a picture to Cooks Illustrated. They have a feature in their magazine every month on "What is This" kinda thing. They should be able to help.

Great advice. I would definitely send a pic to CI.

[Leatherneck]

My girlfriend thinks it's used to pulverize herbs. (dried herbs)

Kevin