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Niagara

(12,397 posts) Thu Jun 4, 2026, 05:54 PM Jun 4

Is this a recipe box? [View all]

I'm probably asking in the wrong area but I'm super curious. Google AI image search is telling me it's a 19th-century Italian wooden puzzle box.

The top:

Inside: The first wooden slate is removable, the second wooden slate doesn't really move. I don't want to force it.

The bottom:

43 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Is this a recipe box? [View all] Niagara Jun 4 OP

I thought a puzzle box had some hidden compartments that were unnoticeable bucolic_frolic Jun 4 #1

It's a recent purchase. I bought it because I thought it was a recipe box Niagara Jun 4 #3

I think it is likely a recipe box SheltieLover Jun 4 #6

Thank you, SheltieLover Niagara Jun 4 #8

Those cutouts are so you can grsb whatever you have in there with your fingers. Figarosmom Jun 4 #13

Niagara, pull out the removable slat... LuckyCharms Jun 4 #2

I pulled out the removable slat Niagara Jun 4 #4

"I paid for it, I promise" LuckyCharms Jun 4 #5

lol Niagara Jun 4 #9

Hahaha! LuckyCharms Jun 4 #10

I would think a recipe box would have more divisions. Whatever it is, it's LoisB Jun 4 #7

I'm still uncertain. I've never seen anything like it before, LoisB Niagara Jun 4 #11

Protein, sides and desserts. marble falls Jun 5 #27

Could be recipe Figarosmom Jun 4 #12

Is it bigger than a bread box? Marthe48 Jun 4 #14

It's about the same size as a recipe box Niagara Jun 4 #17

When American servicemen returned home after WWII Marthe48 Jun 4 #20

Interesting history here, Marthe Niagara Jun 5 #22

well it has no resemblance to the green metal one my mother unceremoniouy bobalew Jun 4 #15

We won't drop anything on your head while bathing you in the kitchen sink, bobalew Niagara Jun 4 #18

'Splains everything. marble falls Jun 5 #28

No expert, but recipe box makes sense. Wonder if it was brought home in WWII? Wounded Bear Jun 4 #16

You're input on the WWII timeline is helpful, Wounded Bear Niagara Jun 4 #19

I know nothing about recipe boxes True Dough Jun 5 #21

Thank you, True Niagara Jun 5 #23

There can be no doubt about it, Niagara True Dough Jun 5 #24

You must be our DU oracle, True Niagara Jun 5 #25

Not exactly. True Dough Jun 5 #34

What big fangs you have Niagara Jun 5 #36

Hope it wasn't this one: True Dough Jun 5 #37

Not the one lol Niagara Jun 5 #39

I'm super tired today so please bear with me Niagara Jun 5 #41

That looks... True Dough Jun 5 #42

Yes Niagara Jun 5 #43

It says "che sara sara" which is the correct Italian spelling of the phrase Wiz Imp Jun 5 #38

If this is a recipe box, I'm betting the nude chef left frying bacon to others. ... marble falls Jun 5 #26

Oh you! Niagara Jun 5 #30

Writing "Che sara sara what shall be shall be" Bluestocking Jun 5 #29

A three sectional wooden box is often used to hold momentous Bluestocking Jun 5 #31

Thank you for that info, Bluestocking Niagara Jun 5 #32

Does the box have residual scent Bluestocking Jun 5 #33

My nose says no Niagara Jun 5 #35

Etymology: che sara sara Donkees Jun 5 #40