So here is the latest baffling item. I don't think it's vintage but it has me puzzled. It is a well made tray about 18 x 12 inches, with a pattern of holes on top. There are 2 handles firmly bolted on, and 4 good rubber feet screwed to the bottom. The holes on top are slightly countersunk, perfectly cored and smooth. It is a very stout and heavy piece of wood that appears to be veneered.
Interestingly, in addition to the holes on top, there are holes on the side ends, with one side having 2 holes and the other side having 4 holes. The pegs fit, but the holes are at least half a peg length in depth. I am guessing some of the pegs are missing.
I have a few ideas but don't want to steer your thinking... Anyone be of some assistance or offer outlandish guesses? Perhaps someone can lead me to some definitive proof and get a surprise thank - you in their mailbox!
More?
Wacky things
Love these mysteries!! My guess is that it's a home-made loom, of sorts, for string art.
ReplyDeleteI'm positive it is a loom. I vaguely remember these.
ReplyDeleteSo a type of jig for weaving, basically? Wonder why there isn't an equal number of holes on the sides and how they might work with the loom idea? Assuming for round or oval weaves?
ReplyDeleteLove your little mysteries! Yes probably a loom, but perhaps some type of game as well. Thanks for sharing this inquisitive little thingy.
ReplyDeleteA loom? True, or maybe a stretcher of some sort. I could see cotton hankies, freshly washed, held back by the pegs, through the crochet corners. Stretching the possibilities:)
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I though of a game possibly, but again, why the different number of side holes? I considered a bedside tray carried by a shaky person, who can adjust the pins tightly against a plate or platter, so it doesn't fall off as easily!
ReplyDeleteVery strange. Thought at first it was an adjustable peg loom but then a string art loom. IDK. I can't find either one on google thru image search of anything that resembles this pattern. The only adjustable peg looms are those older plastic round ones. Strange.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure this is a hot plate holder. You can adjust the pegs to fit any hot plate to carry it without the hot dish moving in transit.
ReplyDeleteAh, that was my initial thinking as well, but the holes / pegs on the sides don't add up with this theory. Hmmmmm...
ReplyDeleteHi - I found a similar tray this weekend at a yard sale and picked it up for 50 cents. Did you ever find out what it was/is??? I'm mystified.
ReplyDeleteBtw, my tray has only two dowels on one side. and the pegs are in a hexagonal position with one in the middle.
ReplyDeleteOnly 2 holes on the one side and none in the other? The top holes are not in radial lines, but hexagonal, with one in the center? Strange. I, as of yet, do not have any solid leads as to it's intended use-
ReplyDeleteOK. We have one of these too - and I have no idea what it is. Ours has no holes on the edges and we have 15 pegs which look shorter and fatter but not by much. Other than that, the design is identical. Any new leads?
ReplyDeleteNOpe. Does your have the handles? These appear to be stock drawer pulls, which makes it feel as if it is some sort of DIY thing.
ReplyDeleteMine does have handles - like cabinet pulls also. It's at my mom's and I'll be there this weekend. I'l see if I can post a photo.
ReplyDeleteThat would be sweet. We''ll get you, you mystery piece, somebody out there KNOWS your story!
DeleteIt is a vintage casserole carrier :)
DeleteIt is definitely for carrying dishes. The peg holes on the side are for storing the pegs when not in use. I have a friend who brought one with a hot dish on it to a gathering and I inquired about it. I am trying to make these for Christmas gifts, so I was thrilled to find your website so that at least I have pictures to go by. My guess is that all of the previous commenters are not Southern women (except for the one who correctly guessed it is for carrying items in transit). -Kristin
ReplyDeleteI have one & I also have a seprtate piece that came with it ,, a block 11" by 4" with a diagonal 1' diameter hole in id , offset to one side ?
DeleteHmmm, that seems odd, doesn't it? The mystery deepens...
DeleteExcellent Kristen, thank you! I can picture two boys running off with mom's pie carrier at a southern bbq, finishing the pie and playing some sort of made up checkers or something ;)
ReplyDeleteYes! I have one and so do several members of my family! They are for carrying dishes! Love mine! Does anyone know where you can buy them???
ReplyDeleteI know this is now 2017 and the posts were in 2012, but I have one that has identical holes on top, but on the back it looks more like what yarn might sit on for a loom. Wish I could post a pic of mine to compare...dang...
ReplyDeleteIt is now mid 2018, I was just given one of these as a gift. I was told it is a vintage casserole carrier. Hope this helps!
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ReplyDeleteLook up casserole tray pretty sure that it is I have one identical to this.
ReplyDeleteI have one of these and it is a wonderful way to transport food. All the varying holes are to accommodate whatever size your casserole dish is. You really only need 4 dowels to keep it from moving.
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ReplyDeleteI just got one and it has another gray that sits on top.
ReplyDeleteTray that sits on top. I’m mystified what it is for….would love to sell it but have no idea what to charge….
ReplyDeleteIt's a wooden casserole dish carrier. Put the pegs around the casserole dish so the dish will not slide when you are carrying it to a church function.
ReplyDeleteCasserole holder. I had smeome ask my husband if he could make one.
ReplyDeleteIs a tray to transport different size pots, bowls, or rectangular dishes. The dowels accommodate the size of container.
ReplyDelete