Countless contraptions that revolutionized farming in the 19th and early 20th centuries have become contemporary curiosities, or even mysteries. Here are six sent in by readers. Do you know what they are?
Answers to the November 2023 items will appear in the January 2024 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by Nov. 1, 2023.
A. Piece measures 5 inches across the two legs.
Unidentified. Photo submitted by Henry Beckman, Loretto, Tenn.
B. Tool works in the order of a trip hammer. It has a ballpeen hammer on the top. On one side it is marked Buckeye and on the other PAT. July 12. 10. Tool measures about 9 inches long.
Buckeye bench-mounted, foot-powered hammer saw set manufactured by Buckeye Saw Vise Co., Cleveland. Identified by Nick Caldiero, Afton, N.Y.; Charlie Green, Webster, Fla.; Haywood Grant, Ellerbe, N.C.; Paul Ryberg, Cambridge, Minn.; Bruce Granger, Prior Lake, Minn.; and Carroll Gum, Camden, W.Va. Photo submitted by Ray Waldner, Hitchcock, S.D.
C. Tool measures 6-1/2 inches wide and has no markings.
Unidentified. Photo submitted by Lewis Payne, Remsen, N.Y.
D. Bottom flat piece rotates. No measurements or markings provided.
Scraper for double disk seed opener on Minneapolis-Moline grain drill. Offered in the 1940s and ’50s in both right- and left-hand versions. Identified by Ed Terry, Northfield, Minn.; Bruce Granger; and Wayne Hayenga, Kings, Ill. Photo submitted by Tommy Ortmeier via email.
E. Marked Lightning Lice Killing Machine Pat Jan. 3, 1887 Chas. Schild Mfgr., Ionia, Mich.
Lice killing machine. Identified by Larry Harpster, Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa.; Nick Caldiero; Wayne Hayenga; Bruce Granger; and Ronald Bush, Long Island, N.Y.
“This is a chicken delouser,” Larry explains. “The strings on the ‘bag’ were loosened and a liberal amount of delousing powder was put inside. Several chickens were put in the bag (or drum), and the strings were drawn tight and tied. There should be a crank on the end of the delouser that is turned and chickens and delousing powder get well mixed. One can imagine the commotion that this would have produced.” From Nick Caldiero: “It was intended that the machine should be more efficient than the manual ‘pinch’ method, that is, one pinch of lice killing powder (sodium fluoride) per fowl.” Photo submitted by Joe Smith, Ionia, Mich.
F. Tool measures 12 inches long. Shorter end measures 8 inches with a 2-1/2-inch handle.
Barbing tool used in building barbed wire. Identified by Bruce Granger. Photo submitted by Ivan Mast, Walhonding, Ohio.
To submit photos:
Send prints to Farm Collector, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609. Send digital images to editor@farmcollector.com.
- Photos should be taken in a well-lit area against a plain background. Include dimensions and any markings on the piece. We cannot guarantee every photo will be published, nor can we respond to inquiries regarding when photos will be published. No photos will be returned.
- Digital photos should be sent as .jpgs at a minimum of 300 dpi.
To identify an item:
Send answers (with your name and address) to Farm Collector, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609. Email responses may be sent to editor@farmcollector.com.
Answers for new items shown in this issue must be received by Nov. 1, 2023.
