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Rocking Choppers
A rocking chopper is a curved, honed blade attached by one tang or two, or by a shank, to a wooden or metal handle, either commercially made or hand-forged. Some, usually commercial products, feature two blades.
Although experts disagree on the origins of the rocking chopper, everyone seems to agree that the tools are highly collectible. Examples as old as mid-18th century are seen in many house museum collections. Their abundance suggests that for many cooks, the rocking chopper was a kitchen essential. Their popularity continued through the 1800s and even to the present.
In general, the blade will provide the best clues to a chopper’s age. Look for signs of wear and use. Hand-forged blades are found on the earlier examples; double blades date from the late 19th century forward. Check the handle to make sure it’s at least as worn as the blade. And watch out for very ornate choppers that seem too good to be true—there are skillful modern English reproductions in circulation masquerading as authentic pre-1800 artifacts.
The value of a particular chopper is determined by blade size, material, method of manufacture, handle shape, ornamentation or manufacturer’s marks, unusual blade orientation or configuration, and, of course, overall condition.
Although experts disagree on the origins of the rocking chopper, everyone seems to agree that the tools are highly collectible. Examples as old as mid-18th century are seen in many house museum collections. Their abundance suggests that for many cooks, the rocking chopper was a kitchen essential. Their popularity continued through the 1800s and even to the present.
In general, the blade will provide the best clues to a chopper’s age. Look for signs of wear and use. Hand-forged blades are found on the earlier examples; double blades date from the late 19th century forward. Check the handle to make sure it’s at least as worn as the blade. And watch out for very ornate choppers that seem too good to be true—there are skillful modern English reproductions in circulation masquerading as authentic pre-1800 artifacts.
The value of a particular chopper is determined by blade size, material, method of manufacture, handle shape, ornamentation or manufacturer’s marks, unusual blade orientation or configuration, and, of course, overall condition.
Latest page update: made by kjacobso
, Jun 19 2007, 12:14 PM EDT
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Edited by kjacobso
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Edited by kjacobso
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