huge vintage wirework masher w/ old wood handle, for potatoes, or laundry?

Giant old potato masher (or a laundry stirrer?), heavy twisted wire with a big solid wooden handle. This is 3 3/4" across the circle, and 16 1/2" long end to end (must be for a pretty deep pot!) This has some wear and surface rust, but is sturdy and well made, looks like it would still work fine.