While antique shopping the other day, we purchased this curious Bakelite-handled kitchen gadget. At first we just liked the way it looked but then we realized it might actually be very useful. Do you know what it is?
It's a pie trimmer and sealer! To use it, one would roll the wheel and its prongs along a pie crust to crimp the edges. Although this isn't an essential pie making tool (we generally use our fingers or a fork to do the same job), it just seems fun to use. Plus, it would produce consistent-looking pie crusts.
This particular pie sealer was made by Vaughan's and we guess it's from around the 1930s. Similar ones may be found on eBay and Etsy. Modern crimpers also exist, but to our eyes, the older ones have so much more charm.
Do you have any vintage kitchen tools in your arsenal?
Related: In Praise Of Old-Fashioned Kitchen Tools
(Image: Gregory Han)
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it looks like it could double as a cocktail strainer!
a piecrust roller - to crimp the edge!
Sorry! I answered before reading!
Now I can sleep at night!
i would love to have one of those.. i wonder if there is something similar available now?
but, but ... it would make your pie look like it came from a grocery store's bakery, instead of your kitchen. Not for me. I want my thumbprints all over that pie crust!
i thought maybe you could use it to deseed large citrus or something... but i'm very tired, pay no attention
Chef Calvin LOL. I am so stealing that comment!
Cocktail strainer?
Love this feature! All that's in my drawer, practically, are vintage kitchen utensils. There's something about the durability and feel of them. If they've lasted 50 years already, they are likely to last 50 more. Who wants new junk? That's no fun!
Lol at the thumbprints comments =] (in a good way)
I have a, um... weakness for vintage kitchen utensils. Got a few I cannot identify. And my collection is not just for looks. When I (finally) figure out what their purpose it, I actually use them.
LOVE this post.
bless ya,