This is a Scandinavian KRUMKAKE Waffle Cookie Iron, there is actually another piece that goes on the bottom & sets directly on the stove, like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Nordic-Ware-Stovetop-Scandinavian-Krumkake-Cookie-Iron-Pizzelle-Waffle-/111057417860?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19db89b684
Do you have the base part that it sits on. You need to have it to make the Krumkake waffle, the iron pivots no the base so you can turn the iron over. There should also be metal cones to role the krumkakes on, they are ment to have pastry in them.
I don't know if someone told you already but I think it is for making krumkake. The design on the inside suggests this because krumkake often has designs on one side (the outside) before it is coned and the filled with fruit, whipped cream etc. What you do to make it is pour the krumkake batter in side and close it, then i believe you put it on the stove and flip t so it cooks on both sides kind of like a thin pancake. Then before it cools you take it out and either wrap it around a specially made cone shaped tool or you can cone it by hand. Then, when it cools, it keeps its shape and you can fill it with whipped cream or fruit or other things. Some people top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
P.S. You can find recipes for krumkake on the internet or books, I believe you can also get it premade in the store.
You are amazing and packed with great information. The stove is how they used this one back in my Grandma's days. So my sister tells me. This was another item we came across when we decided to go through items that my mother had stored for years. I can only assume it is vintage. Thank you again. Lynne I fanned you!