Unknown tool, any ideas what it is?

[Wiley]

Ok, keepers of the esoteric: anybody know this tool? It has no identifying marks or logos save in the center of the waffle like area is the number or date 1929. It's made of aluminum and looks like it has been used either over an open flame or in a high heat environment like a WFO. Unlike a waffle iron it closes so there is very little void where the waffle would normally form. Here's the photos, any help appreciated.
Thanks,
Wiley

[texassourdough]

How about a melba toast maker?

[brickie in oz]

Maybe for making these?

[texassourdough]

I like that Brickie! I considered the "cookie"/wafer idea.

[brickie in oz]

Here is the date on it....

[Tscarborough]

It looks like a sheet metal hand brake to me.

[Wiley]

Yeah, Brickie that is the the only date upon it.

From the other forum I queried, they came back with a "pizzelle iron" a device for making pizzelle cookies which is fitting for this forum as they are Italian. At the moment that is the best guess, although most such devices seem to be hinged from the end rather than from the middle.

Google came up with a demo and recipe and so next WFO firing I will give them a try. Learn how to Bake Pizzelle Cookies video from Answers.com Videos

Thanks,
Wiley

[azpizzanut]

Hi All,

It's a Pizzelle maker.

Look here: Pizzelle

Cheers,

[Wiley]

Thanks Bob,
That's very close to what I found/was told especially that the date was not the date of manufacture but rather a commemorative date (birth, marriage etc).

Here's what a member from another forum (specializing in collectable cast iron and aluminum cookware) had to say:

" I think it is from one of the Philadelphia makers, my spelling is awful, but it might be Bachelleri Bros, maybe Guinta, there are a couple more that I just can't think of off the top of my head. They would put a significant date like a wedding or birthday on the cookie, that's the date you see (the purchaser would do that). Likely made in the 20's. "

I'm firing the WFO this weekend (for pulled pork) so I'll try my hand at pizzelle and see if I can make anything worth eating.
Thanks,
Wiley

[Grimaldi]

Glad you got your object ID'd and put to good use. When I first glanced at your pizzelle iron it reminded me of a waffle iron I picked up in an antique shop in Puebla, Mexico.