Good Question: What Is This Mystery Mill?

Here's a mystery from reader Ihor. He says it's a mill, but not for pepper...

What is it for?? No access opening, prongs hold contents against base plate blade slots, might be for truffles, garlic, ginger or other firm, slice-able ingredient.

We're stumped. More pictures below - who can tell us what this is?

Any ideas?

(To All Good Questions)

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Comments (10)

Nutmeg.

ditto, nutmeg.

nutmeg.

Echo the above: nutmeg

Ummm...do you need anyone else to say nutmeg?

Do I win a prize?

Ah, stay tuned on this one! Ihor wrote in and said that this isn't a nutmeg grater after all. More photos forthcoming...

Me, I'd take it into Lucullus Antiques (specializing in culinary antiques) in New Orleans and ask them what it is. www.lucullusantiques.com

Nutmeg it is!

Another update from Ihor! He says...

"Upon further examination, it appears that the crank does pull up, compressing a powerful spring and allows the placement of a nutmeg into the space below the prongs. I concede that the answer was correct and only my hesitation to cause the mill damage prevented a more aggressive investigation into its workings. Thanks for the help and I'll be sure to share any new mysteries in the future."

So - you all were right after all.