The genius of pioneer inventors can confound us. 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 October 2023 items will appear in the December 2023 issue.
- Answers for new items in this issue must be received by Oct. 11, 2023.
A. Tool measures about 19 inches long.
Ratchet drill. Identified by Nick Caldiero, Afton, N.Y. Photo submitted by Chris Jerue, Bremerton, Wash.
B. Multi-wire cleat is made of a metal exterior and Bakelite- type material on the interior. Without metal sleeve, each unit weighs 27 oz. and measures about 2 by 8 inches. Metal braces lined with thick paper sleeves. A No. 2 pencil fits perfectly into each round opening.
Unidentified. Photo submitted by David Ruark, Pomeroy, Wash.
C. Tool measures 30 inches tall and 8 inches at widest point. Patent date: Jan. 15, 95. Pivots in two different places.
Wire stretcher. Identified by Ron Ratajczak, Newton, Iowa, and Jack Simmons, Mt. Vernon, Ill. See patent No. 532,717. Photo submitted by Ed Sessions, Powell, Wyo.
D. All-steel tool measures 12 inches long with spring action lever; four adjustable punches or markers.
Piston ring groove cleaner/scraper. Identified by Ron Ratajczak; John Wilding, Hermann, Mo.; Woody Bredehoeft, Indianapolis, Ind.; Roy Parmeter, Duncan Mills, Calif.; Don Hartl, Platte Center, Neb.; and Robert Chamness, Drexel, Mo. Photo submitted by Leonard Schmidt, Waverly, Iowa.
E. No description provided.
Heavy hook used when pulling or lifting a heavy object. Photo submitted by David R. Maupin, Boonville, Mo.
F. No description provided.
Albert Mosher Jr., Gorham, Maine, and Ron Koppelman Sr., Gerald, Mo., believe Item F from the October 2023 issue of Farm Collector to be strap hinge pins used for gate and door hinges in the 1800s. “I grew up on a family farm with buildings built in 1810,” he says. “The barn had posts and rafters (8×8) every 10 feet (it was 110 feet by 44 feet). It had pins made in a blacksmith’s shop just like the pieces shown in October Item F. They
were 6 or 8 inches long, 5/8-inch square tapering to about 3/16-inch. They were driven into holes drilled into the posts, and doors and gates had straps of steel that hung on them.” Photo submitted by Brian Lindsay via email.
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 Oct. 11, 2023.
