Recently I inherited some old kitchen utensils that belonged to my husband's grandmother. As I sorted through the bag of odds and ends, I tried only to keep what I really needed. After all, my utensil drawer is already bulging.  I passed on the little tin citrus juicer.  It was identical to the one I'd gotten at a thrift store recently for 50 cents.

I almost didn't take the egg beater.  I've got 3 whisks already, plus a hand mixer and a KitchenAid. But I couldn't resist turning the handle. And then I was hooked. This little gem is heavy and solid and whirrs –no, purrs — when you turn it. They knew how to make things 50 years ago, no doubt about it.

This morning I pulled it out to whisk up our breakfast eggs and was amazed at just how well it did its task.  The eggs were perfectly whipped in half the time a regular whisk would require.  And yet it is barely any harder to wash than a whisk.  I love it.

And this item below?  Well, it is a mystery to me– I kept it just for curiosity's sake.   Was it was designed to cut pasta?  Or maybe to crimp the edge of a pie crust? 

I'm hoping that someone will clue me in– anybody know what it does? 

What about you?  Have any vintage kitchen items that you love?