Do you recognize this tool?

The whole piece is made of iron and the vertical arm doesn't move. The horizontal round bar is removable and is about 1-1/2-inch in diameter. The two square pieces that are parallel to each other are not removable.

This tool was passed down to the submitter by his great-grandfather; it is believed the tool was used in the old Nelson Gas Engine & Automobile Company, Harlan, Iowa, factory, possibly in the manufacturing process. The tool includes this name plate:

Here is an example of an engine made by Nelson Gas Engine & Auto Co.:

If you recognize this tool, leave a comment in the comment section below.

Have a tool you want to submit? Email us at editor@farmcollector.com with at least one photo taken in a well-lit area against a plain background. Include dimensions and any markings on the piece.

Do you recognize this tool?

It measures 15 inches long and has rounded jaws. It appears to be factory made.

If you recognize this tool, leave a comment in the comment section below.

Check back here April 17 for the correct answer, or find it in the May issue of Farm Collector.

Have a tool you want to submit? Email us at editor@farmcollector.com with at least one photo taken in a well-lit area against a plain background. Include dimensions and any markings on the piece.

January 2012 Mystery Tool A 

Weed puller (missing its long wooden handle). See patent 1,293,824. Photo submitted by Adolf Hendriks, Appleton, Wis. 

January 2012 Mystery Tool B 

Lap anvil. See patent 8,111 for a similar piece. Photo submitted by Daniel and Phyllis Jepsen, Miles, Iowa. 

January 2012 Mystery Tool C 

Syrup pan (or evaporator) used in cooking sorghum molasses or maple syrup. Photo submitted by Keith Trafton, Wapello, Iowa. 

January 2012 Mystery Tool D 

A few readers believe this to be an early fire extinguisher, the type that hang from the ceiling - but our experts remain skeptical, citing the vessel's small capacity and ornate design. Another reader speculated that it might be a pull chain hadle for an overhead lavatory gravity tank - however, we've been unable to verify that. Photo submitted by Ronald Mallick, Wilmette, Ill. 

Do you recognize this tool?

It measures about 18 inches long and has no markings.

If you recognize this tool, leave a comment in the comment section below.

Check back here March 13 for the correct answer, or find it in the April issue of Farm Collector.

Have a tool you want to submit? Email us at editor@farmcollector.com with at least one photo taken in a well-lit area against a plain background. Include dimensions and any markings on the piece.

Do you recognize this tool?

It is two pieces of wood connected by metal straps. When close, it measures 21-1/2 inches (top 1-1/2-by-7/8 inches, bottom 1-by-3/4 inches). When open, the space between arms measures 25 inches. Marked on the interior: "The GEM Mfg. by Hanlon Karper Co., Batavia, N.Y." Exterior: "Agr'l Implements Geo. G. Guston Seaford Del."

If you recognize this tool, leave a comment in the comment section below.

Check back here March 13 for the correct answer, or find it in the April issue of Farm Collector.

Have a tool you want to submit? Email us at editor@farmcollector.com with at least one photo taken in a well-lit area against a plain background. Include dimensions and any markings on the piece.