Accession Number

ID1474

Alternate Name

Food chopper

Description

A funnel shaped feeder opens into a shaft showing an internal corkscrew chopping and grinding mechanism, operated by the large, rotating handle. A wing nut holds the chopping mechanism and handle in place. At the bottom is a clamp, which is intended to hold the device vertically on the side of a table or countertop.

Narrative

This device was intended for use in a kitchen. Manufactured by Landers, Frary and Clark in New Britain, Connecticut, it was a popular utensil that continued to be sold by the company more than 60 years after it first came on the market in 1897. 

The number 2 on the device refers to the size of the grinder, visible through the large spout at the top of the contraption. There was also a 00 model for finer chopping and a number 3 for heavy duty use. 

The poster image attached to this record is an advertisement for the "Universal No. 2 Food Chopper" and shows the object mounted to a countertop with a selection of animals and vegetables it is possible to use in the chopper, such as chickens, turkeys, carrots, coconut, apples, clams, fish, potato, celery, bread, lobster, crackers, beef, cauliflower, onions, sheep, cabbage, and pork.¹

1. Poster source: Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company, Printer. The Universal Food Chopper and a Few of the Things It Chops. , 1899. [Boston: Forbes Litho. Co., Boston] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2003681789/.

History of Use

Unknown.

Date

1897

Material

Metal, iron

Brand Name

Universal

Inscription

Universal No.2, Canada, 1897
And various patent numbers, dates, and countries of registration.

Country of Origin

USA