Food Grinder Appraisal

Universal No. 2 Cast Iron Meat Grinder

The item is a vintage Universal No. 2 meat grinder, appearing to be constructed primarily of cast iron, typical for kitchen tools of its era. It exhibits a dark, possibly oxidized or enameled, metallic finish consistent with aged cast iron, indicating a natural patina rather than significant damage. The grinder features a large, robust body with an 'UNIVERSAL' brand embossing clearly visible along its side, and the number '2' stamped prominently, indicating its size or model number. A hand-crank mechanism with a wooden handle is attached; the handle itself shows a natural, light wood tone, suggesting it's either maple or a similar hardwood, with some mild darkening from age or use at its base where it connects to the metal crank. The crank arm is also cast iron, showing the same dark finish as the main body. The design includes a feed hopper, a helical auger (visible through the opening), and a die plate with an attached cutting blade, although these internal components are not fully visible. The clamp for attaching to a countertop is also part of the integrated design, showing its functional purpose. There are no obvious signs of significant breaks, repairs, or extreme wear that would impede functionality. The craftsmanship appears sturdy and utilitarian, characteristic of late 19th to mid-20th-century American manufacturing, designed for durability and practical home use. The overall condition suggests it is well-preserved for its age, with cosmetic wear expected from a used item, but no structural integrity issues are apparent.