Break It Down

What is this? A bird made from a clear, borosilicate glass. Yes, but what is it? The only opening is the beak, which extends from the body and seems to be intended for pouring. But what is it used for? When was it made? Why would it interest me?

I've seen it before and I thought, "Cotton balls?" Or maybe, "Creamer?" I guess it could be anything, but...

It was in its original package and it has a very specific purpose: it is a peanut pourer. Not a nut pourer, but a peanut pourer. Maybe late 70s, early 80s?

Why does it appeal to me? I'll break it down:

1. I love something in it's original package, especially one as fabulous as this. The rendering of said pourer is ne plus ultra. Someone in an office somewhere (Thailand?) created this drawing of the pourer that was supposed to appeal to consumers. Does it? Strangely.
   
2. And the box says so much about the object, but nothing we can know for sure. Perhaps someone cared so deeply for it, they kept the box it came in to protect it. What do you own in it's original box? Perhaps they cared for it so little they never used it and it set unopened on a shelf in a closet. What do you have you never used? That you are holding onto?
3. I love that it has a specific purpose. I love that it is for pouring peanuts and as I was looking at it at the Goodwill, I instantly imagined: cocktails. Perhaps Pomegranate Manhattans served over ice in my leave Georges Briard glasses? Some pretzels in one of the plastic bowls labeled pretzels and salty peanuts in the peanut pourer? Someone tells a joke or a funny story; everyone laughs. A handsome gentlemen with dark wavy hair lifts the peanut pourer and offers it to the guest to his left, pouring a few out into their palm. This object has potential.
4. I love that without the package, I would have no idea what this object was to be used for--the mystery. Like being an archaeologist. I love that this is something that isn't made anymore. You can't go into the home section at Macy's and ask the salesgirl, "Salesgirl? Salesgirl? Can you please show me your peanut pourers?!" They don't make these anymore.
5. Lastly, I love rescuing it and putting it to use, making it mine, adding it to the collection. To me, this peanut pourer is like a sad-eyed little puppy or a purring little kitten. It speaks to me. If you are one of the object people, you know it. You hear it too. Possession in nine tenths of the fall, the other tenth is finding a place to put everything.

And I want more of them. Instantly. Just like it. Three hours ago, I had no idea that a bird-shaped peanut pourer existed. Now I want a matched set of twelve to have for dinner parties. So that everyone could have their own, individual peanut pourer. Or maybe one for every other person?

It's a sickness, but one I have learned to live with. And, dear reader, your support certainly helps.