Kiss Knocker Taffy Cutting Machine, circa 1880

01

Artifact Overview

Cutting a long roll of soft, sticky candy, like taffy, into smaller pieces -- ready to be wrapped and sold -- takes time and a lot of work. Cutting machines, like this one, made the job easier. With a crank of the handle, the roll is cut into bite-sized pieces. Thomas Mills and Brother made this and other confectioner's tools in the late 1800s.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Machine

Date Made

circa 1880

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2017.0.34.449

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron
Brass (Alloy)
Metal
Paint (Coating)

Color

Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 10 in
Width: 11.75 in
Length: 12.25 in

Inscriptions

on one side of base: T. MILLS & BRO. / PHILAD. PA on opposite side of base: T. MILLS / & BRO INC. / PHILA. PA.