mystery machine, any idea what it does?

by Arpea
(Binghamton, NY)

Mostly cast iron device, about seven inches long, table mounted, and four inches wide. crank turns two paddles, each in turn, brushes in close proximity to a grooved lid locked in place, but can be swung out of the way. The crank also operates a wooden cog timed to advance something in between the paddles so that it is caught between the paddle and lid, becoming increasingly thinner, exiting at the end of the lid. one turn of the crank performs two of these operations. Yhere are no markings on the device. ?????