People on the internet banded together to figure out what this device actually was

Sometimes we find strange objects online and have no idea what they are. Luckily, the internet community often helps solve these mysteries.

Take this steel tool, for example. Many were confused until it was identified as a ‘meat mincer,’ a popular UK household item used to mince and mix meat, fish, and vegetables.

The meat mincer dates back to the 19th century, invented by Karl Drais. Early versions were hand-cranked, pushing meat through a perforated plate to create minced meat.

With technological advances, electric meat grinders became common, making mincing easier and adding features like sausage-making and juicing attachments.

Today’s meat mincers are far more advanced, but they’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings.