This device was submitted by Jon Norby.
Do you know what this is? Please let us know if you do!
We would like to know what this was used for and any other information you may be able to supply. We thank all of our loyal followers of the History Mystery Series. If you have a Mystery from our local area you can submit it to DonGrove1@yahoo.com. If you can provide some information about the Mystery, it is helpful to get people thinking in the right direction.
Follow-up to History Mystery #118: Cast Iron Object From 1859
The item has been identified as a Coffee Roaster from the 1800’s from several resources, including the Facebook posts listed below:
Karen Franck
Its a coffee roaster. Made of cast iron, it consists of a hinged 8.5″ diameter cannonball-shaped roaster in a frame that fits over a three-legged trivet (10″ in diameter), for use in a fireplace. If the trivet were removed, the frame would fit in the burner of an old wood stove. you put the coffee beans inside the cannon ball shaped cylinder. Then turn the handle as they roast over a fire.
Cari Lewis Hager
Karen Franck wow, you’re good
Greg Birkel
Google image search says: cannonball coffee roaster.
https://fb.watch/jJDjfrr_2W
Do you like historical mysteries? Check out this fun video!
Thanks to all who commented on HM #119. All of the below were posted on SNO Facebook page:
Diana Polly
A component of a sling shot for flinging ground squirrels over the fence. Lol.
Margaret McQuone-Frech
This from my sister-in-law
Hmm. With the burner, crucible and long arm it could be parts to a casting centrifuge. If for Lost Wax casting method, the gas part would be used for burn out to make the mold. The crucible to heat the metal, such as silver. I looked online and didn’t see anything similar, but it seems a possibility. There would be a large drum it all fits into, and counterweights, spinner, other parts.
Ed doesn’t recognize it as forge equipment, but another possibility. There is an old foundry in Sutter Creek that is starting up as a historical site, might run it by them. https://knightfoundry.com/
Hilary Bowman Casner
Would the portion on the right have held a flame? Higher res photos of more than one angle might help. Love the History Mysteries!
Mac Shaughnessy
Portable cooker can’t remember the name but white gas or kerosene went in the left, the lever is a flint striker, took a minute to get it going. Usually you had to prime the burner side to get it going. It’s been 45 years since I seen one, but it worked.