Another Kitchen Gadget: What Is It? [PHOTO]

While cleaning out our parents' house, we came across a few kitchen gadgets of which we were unclear of their purpose.  You knew the last one; what is this thing?

Kitchen Gadget: what is it? (Staff Photo)

The last item ended up being a hook that is used to dump the basket for boiled crawfish or crabs/shrimp, etc.  We don't know the purpose of this one!

At first, we though that it is used to "can" vegetables, providing a funnel effect for the preserves, but it's not the proper size.

So, can you help us figure out its purpose?