What's this?

[Jonzjob]

Any ideas as to what this is?

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f180/Jonzjob/Saltpot7.jpg

It's hollow and this is the inside

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f180/Jonzjob/Saltpot5.jpg

Too easy really?:D

[dr4g0nfly]

It looks like Beech and I'd call it a 'Salt Bell'.

You fill the inner void with salt up to the inverted trumpet and you have to shake it up-and-down to get salt out.

[Jonzjob]

Right both times DF. You have obviously seen one or more before??

It is a Roman design from what I've been told so it's stood the test of time..

[dr4g0nfly]

Jonzjob,

Yes, you're right I have seen one before. It intrigued me and took me a while to understand how it worked. We now have one in the kitchen.

I've attached the sketch I made once I thought I'd worked it out - it's not quite right if anyone wants to make it - the internal bell volume and pillar need adjustment, but it's a good start.

237286

[Jonzjob]

If you have a look at the second photo showing the innards, note that the top goes slightly wider. This also has a cone in it. Only small so that when the salt is shaken it goes up and some lands in the top cone and drops through the hole. The biggest advantage with it is that if you pick it up you can turn it every which way and nothing comes out until it's held right way up and shaken..

The idea of actually shaping it like a bell with the handle is quite appealing. The first one I made was almost round, just like the Roman replica I saw in an ancient Cathar chateau not too far from here. That was a china one, this shape

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f180/Jonzjob/Romansalt1.jpg

I assume that the original Roman ones, 2000 years ago, were made of terra cotta. Brilliand idea aren't they and a good talking point at the table..

My next one may well look like a bell???

[issatree]

Hi All,
I'm not quite sure if you are all right about that Object.
My DI Law is a Dr. & looks after Mums & Bubs, & I have made a Similar Type of thing that they use to listen to the
Heart Beat of the Unborn Baby.
Mine were a bit longer, & the Top piece is a bit different, mainly to fit the Ear of the Doc.
This Object is called a " Pinnard ".
I have made several of these for other Doctors as well.

[Jonzjob]

If you put yer ear to either of the ones I made and shook it then all you would hear is the sea and get an ear full of the salt that came out of it Issa :D:D

The Pinard horn (only one 'n' :;) was invented by this bloke and is still used today

Adolphe Pinard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolphe_Pinard)