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 August/September 2025 items will appear in the December/January 2025/2026 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by September 26, 2025.
A. Tool measures 14 inches long, has a wooden handle, and is adjustable. Originally submitted in November 2021.
No positive identification. Submitted by William C. Alexander
B. Piece measures 12-1/2 inches long, 2-3/4 inches wide, and 1-1/2 inches thick. Hollow casting with dividing well going almost to the top (the end with a tab with a hole for hanging). Near the bottom is a rubber ring that might have been used for sealing. Originally submitted in March 2019.
A vintage air whistle. Identified by George Dewitt, IA. Submitted by Raymond Fenley
C. No description provided. Originally submitted in March 2019.
No positive identification. Submitted by Earl H. Rohrbaugh
D. Piece is made of copper. Measures 5 inches tall, 5 inches across the base, and 3 inches across the top. The hole in the center top is 3/4 inch in diameter. A pipe leads to the bottom. Item has no threads to screw on a wick holder. Originally submitted in March 2019.
A copper glue pot. Identified by Harold Kaufman, WI. Submitted by Richard Bader
E. Piece measures 14 inches. The head measures 4 inches and is made of wood held to the center post with a metal ring. The center post is metal with a wood handle. The flat part in the middle is a file on each side and is not removable. Originally submitted December 2018.
A vintage hammer for machine work. Identified by Harold Kaufman, WI. Submitted by John Osborne
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 September 26, 2025.
