Purchased this item a couple days ago because I couldn’t figure out its purpose. My assumption is that it’s a grinder but it seems odd for that purpose given its size and crude plunger. It seems well made with etchings and paint all over the exterior. It’s about four inches assembled and with the plunger down. The chisel type plunger seems to be made of iron. Any ideas on its age or purpose? I’m dying to know

[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/2mfhn9s.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/aw263p.jpg[/IMG]

Edit: this is apparently a betel mortar and pestle. Betel being a type of nut consumed in asia. I’d still love to know more about its age or maybe region of manufacture.