Antique "THE BOYE" sliding nutmeg grater patented by the prolific inventor, James Boye. It is not stamped any longer, might have worn off. The primitive tin nutmeg/spice grinder has a very unique design. The nut is spring loaded into a holder where it is held in place by a spring mechanism while the whole piece is slid back and forth over the grater. This Boye nutmeg grater still works very well, sliding back and forth with a lot of help, as the spring is tight. There is a hole at the top for hanging, and it measures 5 7/8” long. This early 1900's kitchen grater tool has surface wear, a few small rusty areas, scratches & scrapes from use and age, but no holes or cracks in the metal. All parts are original. Wonderful old primitive sliding nutmeg grater in very good vintage condition to use, decorate a country farmhouse style kitchen or display in a Vintage/Antique Kitchen Grater Collection!