This wire device was invented in the late 19th century. As the ring is slid to the end, the four "legs" on the opposite end come together to grip a dishrag, which is held in place when the ring is again slid toward the rag. It can then be used to wash the inside of tall glasses, bottles, jars, and lamp chimneys. Rag holders were produced both with and without vegetable skimmers at the opposite end.
