An intricately made 19th c. food masher in original surface. 
Constructed of lathe turned butternut wood and shaped into an appropriate form with a knob finial. Its design is modest yet is accented heavily with intricate walnut wood inlay consisting of lozenges and pyramids held with tiny iron tacks serving as both decorative and structure elements. Atop the finial is an inlaid circular disc of abalone shell held with two iron tacks. 
As a necessity for 19th c. cooking, mashers are commonly found with generic and uninteresting makeups. This particular example remains special in the elaborate detail alloted for its manufacture. 
Remains in structually sound condition and contains a desirable as-descended and period used surface with minor stains from cooking use. 
American or lower Canada in origin. Ca. 1885. 10"T.