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 February 2024 items will appear in the April 2024 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by Feb. 1, 2024.
A. Tool measures 15 inches long by 4 inches wide.
Fire tongs, particularly useful in handling lumps of coal. See Patent No. 413,183 for a similar device.
B. The tool measures 7-1/2 inches tall and is 3-1/4 inches wide at its mouth, which has a recessed sharp blade.
No positive identification. Photos submitted by Robert Scholz, Elmo, Mo.
C. No description available.
Shotgun shell reloading tool. Identified by Bill Reedy, Brandon, Iowa; Gil Mangels, Miracle of America Museum, Polson, Mont.; Odell Overgaard, Centerville, S.D.; Bruce Granger, Prior Lake, Minn.; Timothy Schroeder, Janesville, Wis.; Jim Coder, Tombstone, Ariz.; and Ray Hofner, Tontogany, Ohio. “This would be used to seat a new primer in the end of the case where the old (spent) primer had been removed,” Gil says.
D. The piece measures 5 inches long.
No positive identification. Possibly an early, primitive key. Photo submitted by Dan Hanson, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
E. Tool measures about 3 inches long.
Fence wire twisting/splicing tool. Identified by Dick Hines, Charleston, Ohio; and Duane Plummer, Bargersville, Ind. “The tool is used mainly to tie wire off at the ends,” Duane says. Photo submitted by Robert Palte, Ottawa, Ohio.
F. Marked 2123E and 2118E.
Disc sharpener used to maintain an edge on a disc harrow. Identified by Gene Williams, Piedmont, S.D.; Bill Reedy; and Gil Mangels. “The discs have to be removed with this tool,” Gene says. “The sharpening bits are on the vertical levers next to the hand crank. The disc was mounted on the spoked wheel and the hand crank turned the disc while the bit was held in contact with the disc blade.” Photo submitted by Sherb Mabie, Kennan, Wis.
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 Feb. 1, 2024.
