Hadley nutmeg grater, 1840–1860

Overview

The Henry Ford attributes this tin nutmeg grater to M. B. Hadley of Lynn, Massachusetts, dating it to 1840–1860. Object 00.4.1427 combines a perforated rectangular rasp and capped cylinder on a shallow base.

The museum places the tool in Victorian American kitchens, where increasingly affordable nutmeg was grated for cooking. Its inscription names Hadley and records a patent application; the catalogue does not establish that a patent was granted.

History & identity

M. B. Hadley manufacture.

Sources & representation

Complete museum record and photograph.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   The Henry Ford online catalogue: Hadley nutmeg grater, 1840–1860

   The Henry Ford

   Undated record; research snapshot accessed 21 October 2026. Object manufacture date is separate.

Language & cultural connections

Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary institutional object record and photographHadley nutmeg grater, 1840–1860 — The Henry FordResearch access: 2026-10-21

Image credits

AI-generated object interpretation.