Steell dough scraper or herb chopper (sometimes called a mezzaluna when it has a curved blade).
Based on the construction—a single piece of metal with the top edge rolled over to create a handle—it is a classic example of a 19th or early 20th-century kitchen tool.
Common Uses:
• Baking: It was used to scrape dough off a wooden table, "cut" lard or butter into flour, or portion out loaves of bread.
• Chopping: In the era before food processors, these were used in a rocking motion to finely mince herbs, vegetables, or even cooked meats in a wooden bowl.
Characteristics:
• Material: Most likely forged steel or iron. The dark, mottled surface is a natural patina that develops over decades of use and storage.
• The Handle: The "rolled" handle is a very common design for this era because it was inexpensive to manufacture but provided a sturdy, comfortable grip for the palm of the hand.
