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 2025 items will appear in the October/November 2025 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by July 4, 2025.
A. The handle ends are round and hollow.
No positive identification. Submitted by Ana
B. Three pieces of three-inch long brass tools marked: Ford, Overland & Pat Applied For.
Ford valve lifters. Identified by Marlow R. Illg, MN. Submitted by Dan Gaier
C. Two four-inch blades set at a 90-degree angle to each other. Handle is 15 inches long.
No positive identification. Submitted by Gary Jondle
D. The tool is 11-3/4 inches long.
A valve spring lifter. Identified by Ken Bolton, WI. Submitted by Matthew Sturm
E. Item is about 6 and a half inches across, with no markings. Originally submitted in December/January 2025.
Part of an indoor drying rack. Identified by Jerry Brown, MI, and Guy Farmer, MT. Submitted by Dwayne Schmoll
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 July 4, 2025.
