Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID # |
1957.018.001ab |
Object Name |
Peeler, Fruit |
Title |
Screw-Type Apple Peeler |
Lexicon category |
4: T&E For Materials |
Date |
19th-century |
Made |
Unknown |
Place of Origin |
Unknown |
Description |
Screw-type apple peeler (apple parer). It is made of iron. It has coiled springs. There is a short, cranked handle, with a short, black-finished, turned wooden handle grip. The clamping attachment is 4.5 cm long. There is a winged screw. The clamp screw can be removed. There is a horizontal threaded screw piece which ends with three tines / skewers for holding the apple. Turning the handle either retracts or forwards the screw piece from the pivoting blade holder at the end. Function: A mechanical device that would be clamped to a table or counter edge. It would be hand-cranked to peel an apple. If you did not use an apple peeler, you would have to use a paring knife to prepare your apples. Often peeled apples were sliced and then the pieces were strung on cord to allow them to air-dry in a kitchen or storeroom. They later could be stewed up when you needed them. If you often made apple sauce and apple pies, this would be a handy kitchen tool. A patent for a similar screw-type parer was given to a United States manufacturer in 1849. A similar parer was the "Little Star" (patented in 1888). In the 1908 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue, similar screw-type parers were advertised. Potatoes and quinces and pears could also be pared with them, according to the catalogue, and at the time a screw-type apple parer cost $0.51 (American). Some were a combination parer, corer and slicer. |
Makers mark |
No maker's name seen |
Provenance |
Unknown manufacturer. This apple peeler likely belonged to either the Charles J. and ____ Lister family or the George S. Miller family of Owen Sound, Grey County, in the 19th-century. Last owned by Mary Miller of Owen Sound (a descendant). |
Collection |
Food Processing Tools & Equipment |
Material |
Metal/Wood/Finish |
Dimensions |
H-17 L-23 cm |
Found |
Owen Sound, Grey County |
People |
Lister, Charles J. (Rev.) Miller, George S. Miller, Mary |
Subjects |
Apples Kitchens Food preparation |
Function |
Used to peel apples. |