Unkown, horse object

[woody50]

A horse type betel nut cutter, iron but nice.

Solved, it's an Betel nut cutter

Catalog Number a067-uni-unn
Type Unkown, horse object
Designer
Datering
Material Iron (possible Berlin Iron, does not rust)
Mass gram 67,59
Size (mm) lwh h = 144,56 w = 54.67
Diameter Ø (mm)
Find Place The Netherlands



This horse object has been in my collection for quite some time now, but I still don't know what the function was. I thought I put it here on the forum but cannot find it, so I will do it again.

I think ever detail must have had a function.

The eyes are a swivel point for the front leg, the leg appears to be able to cut something when closed.

The legs had to have some sort of function, pointed as they are.

The last function is on the back of the horse, two pieces that run away from the body, them must have had a function also.

The only thing I can think of is tobacco usage, but don't think that is it.

Hope you guys know more! (than me)

 

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[vhs07]

Calipers?

 

[marion moore]

CALIPERS OR SCRIBE FOR ARCS AND CIRCLES IN METAL, IF IT WAS FOR WOOD OR PAPER IT WOULD HAVE A PENCIL ATTATCHMENT.

NEVER SEEN ANY THAT FANCY. VERY NICE FINE.

THANKS FOR POSTING, MARION

 

[woody50]

Nice try vrs07 and marion. But there is no way to keep the legs at the same distance, nothing to lock them. And the legs are pretty loose.

And yes, the object has been very well made, just think of something like this made of IRON? And fancy yes, it's therefore in my eyes a piece of art.
I also think it is quite old.

 

[CoilyGirl]

The design has a Viking look to it almost,very curious( and cool) find.

 

[Bruce R]

The "legs" are tapered down like maybe wooden handles were driven onto them.

 

[woody50]

The "legs" are tapered down like maybe wooden handles were driven onto them.

Really this object is not a work tool, it is not heavy. It is more dainty and fine. Do don't think it was ever used for something like that, just not strong enough.

Here is a photo to give an impression...

 

[Bruce R]

Ok, I can't tell from the photos how dainty the thing is, a combination cigar cutter/pipe dottle cleaner? Did you ever think of contacting the Smithsonian?

 

[woody50]

Hi Bruce, that was my first thought also. But could not figure out what the back part could be used for and I thought it would not be so comfortable to use you hand around the two legs to clean out a pipe, most of the time pipe cleaners are quite small. But who knows, I am hoping that someone out there that has something like this will answer!

 

[Bruce R]

I got it !!! A Viking toothpick and mustache trimmer ! I was concentrating too hard and totally missed it. L.O.L. Seriously though, the horse head looks Grecian, don't you think?

 

[woody50]

And yes it does look a bit like that.

 

[stefen]

Tongs...

 

[vhs07]

Could it be a nutcracker like this one?

 

[old_goldchaser]

The nutcrackers were my guess also.

 

[woody50]

Could it be a nutcracker like this one?
View attachment 1298669

Great that you could find this. Thanks. It sure looks like this, can you tell me where you found it maybe I can get a better photo.

 

[woody50]

I found one almost the same.

It's a Betel nut cutter. Thanks a lot guys for putting me on the right road!

Betel chewing is prevalent among Southeast Asians and Indians. However, young
people in Southeast Asia don’t use it much now, but plenty of others still do.
The real name of betel nuts is called areca nuts as betel is actually the name
of the leaf in which they're wrapped prior to chewing.

Betel chewing is a
habit that unites Southeast Asia with the Indian sub-continent, parts of
Southern China and the Western Pacific. Whereas alcohol was associated with
feasting, betel was the everyday social lubricant. It was offered to visitors to
one’s home. And just as the English developed elaborate tea sets, Indians and
Southeast Asians developed elaborate betel nut sets.