February 2014 Mystery Tools A
Unidentified. Photo submitted by Ernie Waldner, Raymond, S.D.
February 2014 Mystery Tools B
Splitter (also called a “cooper’s splitter”). A very heavy tool used to split small saplings into three pieces subsequently used to make hoops for buckets, barrels or stave-constructed containers. Photo submitted by David Martin, Wooster, Ohio.
February 2014 Mystery Tool C
Fence twisting tool used with wire-fence machines. Identified by Marshall Davis, Frederick, Md. See patent 582,370 for a similar piece. Photo submitted by Henry Beckman, Loretto, Tenn.
February 2014 Mystery Tool D
Bottle capper and cork presser. See patent 602,836 for a similar piece. Photo submitted by Howard Hemminger, Geneva, N.Y.
February 2014 Mystery Tool E
Saw set. Identified by Vernon Peterson, Minneapolis. See patent 143,598 for a similar piece. Photo submitted by Hank Padgham, Benicia, Calif.
