Trying to identify exactly what this thing is

Question

This item was obtained from an antique shop that had closed due to the death of the owner. Therefore, I couldn't really get any information about where it came from. It is obviously some sort of cutting tool. The blades are 8 inches long. It would seem that the mechanism allows for the blades to be extended thus increasing the distance between cuts. I don't know exactly how this mechanism works and I haven't been able to make it move. The left handle (as shown in the picture) unscrews (well it did until it broke off just after I took the picture). I have gotten some suggestions as to what this might be, but nothing definitive. I would really like to know what this was used for.

lacemaker3 · Accepted Answer

@k2500guy

The closest things I could find are:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-miller-bun-divider-dough-2015264974

Similar devices are used to cut doughnuts, ravioli, lasagne or other pasta.

wearealljustwalkingeachotherhome · Answer

The blades are exceptionally robust and feature a specific bevel and "crown" (a slight curve). This design is characteristic of wood planer blades to prevent them from digging into the wood at the corners.

While it physically resembles a dough divider, the heavy-duty construction and blade grind suggest it was more likely used in a cabinetry or woodworking shop as a specialized manual planer.

tobaccocardyahoo · Answer

I agree that the blades look like this is a manual planer, and would do a more efficient job than a wood plane.

It was my immediate reaction on seeing the photos and before I read any posts.

Since Worthpoint reflects the opinion of a successful seller who listed this item and nothing else, it is not guaranteed to be correct.

I have never seen this device before so my opinion is just my opinion. Glad to see that @roccotacodad54 had the same reaction

le-5262 · Answer

I was going to guess some sort of gardening tool... but that's probably way off.

nyr134 · Answer

I guess you would have already mentioned it if you saw it, but are there any manufacturerâ€™s markings on the metal or the wood? Any patent number?

annadryl · Answer

Google lens called it a vintage dough or bun divider and shows some sorta similar tools. But I agree it doesn't look very good for the kitchen.

roccotacodad54 · Answer

This tool intrigues me. I collect antique blades (mostly knives, daggers, bayonets) and wish it was operable. I wonder if it locks in place once adjusted or if the blades sort of float?

Anyway those blades are built for cutting or scraping something much stiffer/harder than dough or some other soft material. The grind and angle of grind as well as the look of the steel itself I'd think wood at the very least. They look very similar to wood planer blades, very similar.

I photos 4 & 5 it looks as if the blades may have a slight crown to perhaps prevent them from digging in on the corners maybe.

I wonder if it isn't some sort of cabinet scraper? Is there a slight burr on the side opposite from the angled edge?

I work with old wood working hand tools on occasion but this tool stumps me. I saved the photos I am so curious about this tool.

If you do find out what it is please come back and let us know. Very cool find indeed...............

mscurl · Answer

Agree with Ken that it does look like the Miller bun dough divider, however, as a baker, I canâ€™t see using it for a bun or yeast dough because the dough would get stuck in all those little mechanisms in the middle. Maybe cookie, pastry or pie type dough cutter? Candy cutter? Inspect the interior if you see any food particles or if itâ€™s sticky from food. How sharp are the blades? That would also give a clue. Whatever it is, itâ€™s very cool.

kensgiftshop · Answer

I think something like that was posted last couple years trying to find out what it was. I might be wrong, but some kind of a dough cutter?