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Glass jar with metal hand-crank nut grinder attachment labeled 'Don't Fret Shelled Eggs'

Glass jar with metal hand-crank nut grinder attachment labeled 'Don't Fret Shelled Eggs'

User avatarJason Owen

History

This hand-crank nut grinder represents a practical kitchen tool from the early to mid-20th century, when home cooks relied on manual devices for food preparation. The glass jar base allowed users to see the ground contents, while the metal grinding mechanism attached to the lid provided an efficient way to process nuts, spices, and other ingredients. The 'Don't Fret' branding and 'Shelled Eggs' label suggest this was marketed as a versatile kitchen aid, possibly for grinding dried egg products or nut meats during an era when convenience foods were becoming popular. Vintage kitchen gadgets like this nut grinder appeal strongly to collectors of kitchenalia, Americana, and advertising memorabilia. Enthusiasts of mid-century home goods appreciate these items for their nostalgic charm, functional design, and the glimpse they offer into domestic life before electric appliances dominated kitchens. The combination of glass and metal construction, along with period advertising graphics, makes such pieces desirable display items for those who collect vintage kitchen tools or early 20th-century household products.

Origin

United States

Time period

circa 1930–1950