Late 19th Century Hog Splitter maple table A vintage ceramic cigarette holder/ashtray

A vintage ceramic cigarette holder/ashtray

Grain belt beer originated in 1893

but appears to work

Exhibits signs of wear including rust and scratches

Late 19th Century Hog Splitter maple table A vintage ceramic cigarette holder/ashtrayAntique cast steel hog, or beef, splitter. In the simplest terms, this is a cleaver and sledgehammer hybrid. This piece was used by butchers to, quite literally, split entire hogs. Its sharp edge ensured a clean and even cut, while its 12 lb weight was required to generate enough force to cut through the large quantities of flesh and bone. This particular piece is tamped with "A CUNNINGHAM", which turned up no results so it may be a mark of ownership