LAST week's Craven Curiosity brought a flurry of correct answers.

Among those to guess correctly that the item was an antique nutcracker were Cath Cooney, Brenda Wood, Jonathan Mosley and David Heather.

However, David doubted his suggestion, saying that the jaw of a nutcracker was usually serrated whereas the one featured was squared.

Experts at Craven Museum and Gallery tell us: "In continuing with the theme of Victorian kitchen utensils, this item is a nutcracker. The metal is made out of slightly rusty brass and is hinged sharply in the shape of a pair of bow-legs and boot heels.

"Nutcrackers such as this were a common occurrence in kitchens in households across the country including Craven.

"Due to the unique shape, this particular nutcracker was seen as a status symbol at dinner parties and was shown as a 'party piece’."

All items featured in this column can be viewed at the museum, which is run by Craven District Council and is in Skipton Town Hall. It is open Mondays (including Bank Holidays), Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm, as well as the first Sunday of every month from May to September.

Meanwhile we are inviting guesses about this week’s mystery object. Suggestions can be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk, to arrive no later than noon on Monday.