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 June/July 2024 items will appear in the October/November 2024 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by June 5, 2024.
A. Two items measure approximately 4 inches by 3 inches (including protrusion). Possibly stitched leather with metal inside.
Handheld corn shuckers. Identified by Martha Kern, Ulysses, Kan.; Robert Scholz, Elmo, Mo.; Ken Rau, Altamount, N.Y. Photo submitted by Wayne Hayenga, Kings, Ill.
B. Item measures approximately 14 inches long.
Part of a wire-splicing device for fences. See patent no. 1,322,136. Identified by Jim Plantikow, Omaha, Neb. Photo Submitted by David Lowrance.
C. Found in an old barn in Iowa. It measures 16 inches in diameter and weighs about 6 pounds. It has a metal band with a handle around the perimeter and appears to be made of slate-like stone. No markings.
A vintage slate cooking stone. Identified by Virgil Cassill, Drakesville, Iowa; Nick Caldiero, Afton, N.Y.; William Hartman, Yorktown, Va. Photo submitted by Garrison Brown.
D. Hooked item is just over 7 inches in length. “V” item has the number 3 embossed on it and measures 5 inches long.
Log chain hooks and a magneto magnet, most likely from a Ford Model T. Identified by Virgil Cassill, Drakesville, Iowa; Stan Seevers; Rosemary Smith; William Hartman, Yorktown, Va.; Mike Intlekofer, Bellevue, Wis.; Harold Kaufman, Porterfield, Wis.; Warren Ploeger, Independence, Mo.; Tom Schwobe, Chilton, Wis. Photo submitted by Dennis Hopkins.
E. Metal with wooden base. Measures 11-by-5-by-2 inches. No markings.
A cast iron nutcracker. See patent no. 9,985. Identified by Virgil Cassill, Drakesville, Iowa; Amos J. Gay, Dayton, Maine; Randy Winland, Prospect, Ohio; Jim Plantikow, Omaha, Neb.; Rudy Beachy, Readstown, Wis.; Nick Caldiero, Afton, N.Y.; Ron Bush, Bayport, N.Y.; Ray Waldner, Hitchcock, S.D.; William Hartman, Yorktown, Va.; Jim Baird, Goshen, N.Y.; Stan Seevers; Mike Intlekofer, Bellevue, Wis.; Walter Piontkowski, Goodells, Mich.; Sandy Andersen, La Crosse, Wis.; Harold Kaufman, Porterfield, Wis.; Ken Rau, Altamont, N.Y.; James Mahoney, Campbellford, Ontario; Tom Schwobe, Chilton, Wis.; Ram A. Cnaan; Melvin Wellman, Union City, Pa.; Garrison Brown, Eastville, Va. Photo submitted by Tim Rowe.
F. When you pushed the handle down, the area between the wheel and the stationary bottom constricts.
A cork compressor often used for wine bottle corks. See patent No. 68,093. Identified by Bill Peters, Saint Paul, Neb.; Robert Scholz, Elmo, Mo.; Jim Plantikow, Omaha, Neb.; Nick Caldiero, Afton, N.Y.; Randy Winland, Prospect, Ohio; John Everhart, Huntingdon, Pa.; Ray Waldner, Hitchcock, S.D.; William Hartman, Yorktown, Va.; Stan Seevers; Logan Knowles, Marshall, Ill.; Mike Intlekofer, Bellevue, Wis.; Harold Kaufman, Porterfield, Wis.; Ram A. Cnaan. Photo submitted by Bill Shields, Nampa, Idaho.
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 June 5, 2024.
