Sifter, Flour
Commercially made sifter, North Family, Mount Lebanon, NY
ca. 1863
Description
A rectangular wood-framed flour sifter. Two sides are rectangular with a semi-circular cut-out to create the sifter's feet. Secured on the interior of these sides are half-circle wood pieces with the curved side faced down. There is metal mesh which is bent to the half-circle form. The mesh is reinforced by a thin piece of wood width-wise and sheet metal along the exterior edges. The sheet metal is visible from the outside on either side. In the center of the short side is a wood dowel which holds the sifting mechanism in place. This mechanism is made up of two rollers which rest along the mesh and are rotated by a central turned-wood handle. The arms of the handle are triangular with sloping sides. All pieces - wood, mesh, sheet metal - are secured by metal nails.