ash-sifter

Develop the unutilized water powers, now going to waste with destructive effects in freshet periods to arable lands and thickly populated communities, through public ownership and distribution; thereby use "The People's White Coal," save coal and cussin 'the ash-sifter, giving the public cheaper light and power for the homes, the farms, the factories, and public highways.

Northern Nut Growers Association, Report Of The Proceedings At The Tenth Annual Meeting. Battle Creek, Michigan, December 9 and 10, 1919

The young explorers went carefully over the surface of this ground, digging to a considerable depth in some parts, and using an ash-sifter for a thorough examination of the debris.

The Story of Cooperstown Ralph Birdsall 1894

Colonel Bingham has put in a new ash-sifter and expects you to come down and see that it works all right.

Rolling Stones O. Henry 1886

"I'm sure I thought he'd got lots of air to breathe," said Jim, wofully gazing at his victim, while Matty's tears bedewed it; "there's holes enough in my jacket to make it as ventilatin 'as a' ash-sifter, an 'it was awful mean in him to up an' die on me that way.

Uncle Rutherford's Nieces A Story for Girls 1875