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 April/May 2024 items will appear in the August/September 2024 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by May 10, 2024.
A. These pliers measure 8 inches long and have a sharp point at end of one handle. Cutter on jaw. Clip near pivot locks pliers closed; spring-loaded open.
Crimping tool, possibly for blasting caps. Identified by Marlin O. Herbst, Merrill, Iowa. Photo submitted by Bruce Granger, Prior Lake, Minn.
B. Handle of tool at top measures 28 inches long. Marked PAT May 8 1883. Rod measures 32 inches long.
Fence stretcher. See patent No. 277,068. Identified by Jim Plantikow, Omaha, Neb.; Bill Reedy, Brandon, Iowa. Photo submitted by Tim Ingram, Sistersville, W. Va.
C. Tool measures 4 by 10 inches. No markings.
A speculum used to hold open the mouths of various animals. Identified by Bill Reedy, Brandon, Iowa; RC Ebert; Ronnie Adams; Nick Caldiero, Afton N.Y. Photo submitted by Stanley Johnson, Villisca, Iowa.
D. Plow in the back center almost identical to the plow shown at front; adjustable wings.
A Planet Jr. Double Celery Hiller. See the catalog page included. Identified by Nick Caldiero, Afton N.Y.; Michael Stiles, Halfmoon, N.Y.; Marcus Miller, Pleasant Hill, Ohio. Photo submitted by George E. Moyer, Myerstown, Pa.
E. No information was provided.
A scoop designed to measure out specific quantities of material. It was originally designed for coal, but was often used for grain. Identified by Marcus Miller, Pleasant Hill, Ohio.
F. Tool measures about 9 inches long.
A milking machine releaser. Photo submitted by Mike Intlekofer, Bellevue, Wash.
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 May 10, 2024.