Antique Mezzaluna Dual Forged steel blade kitchen Rocking Knife chopper VomCleff

Description

A Very Scarce Antique Vom Cleff & Co. German Mezzaluna Rocking Knife (Vegetable Cutter/Chopper). This is a rather large, forged dual arched blade kitchen tool known as a Mezzaluna, or Rocking Knife which is a food and vegtable chopper and cutter. It is comprised of 2 long arched bowing blades (that still have fine edges today) spaced in between cross brackets and two large wooden knob handles. These were used in round wooden bowls to chop up virtually anything, also used for dough and herbs.
The front side is marked with "10" and "VOM CLEFF & CO". There is an awesome, naturally aged patina on all parts. It has been very well preserved and could be used today, and for many decades to come...however, this is an absolute   museum quality display SHOWPIECE!
This piece was made in the late 1800s or very early 1900s.  Today, Vom Cleff is mostly known and collected for their fine, exceptionally crafted knives and folding tools with fancy stag and horn handles, however, when Robert Vom Cleff came to the U.S. from Germany and started his company in 1873 at 105 Duane St., New York City, he was resourceful and had a knack for business. In the beginning, as with any new company, he produced different types of high quality tools designed the German way that were used on a daily basis, and marketed them for exactly what they were, top notch tools with top-of-the-line materials that worked well for the job at task. He was a major importer of hardware and cutlery, including scissors, razors, and surgical instruments. Until Robert’s untimely death in 1907 he was the President of vom Cleff & Co. After his death the company was run for another nineteen years by his widow and son.