A 17th C brass strainer with initials "F.B.".

A brass strainer. Height 16 cm. Diameter 33 cm. The brass strainer is contained in a wrought iron ring with two handles. Just below the rim the initials "F.B.". The strainer was found in a 17th C. excavation site in a Dutch city. Brass strainers were a sign of wealth since most strainers were made of earthenware. This strainer has an attractive patina enhanced by the prolonged time in the soil. It has a small old repair near one of the hinges (see photo). Low Countries, 17th Century.