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 2023 items will appear in the October 2023 issue.
Answers for items in this issue must be received by August 4, 2023.
A. Piece measures 10-1/2 inches long; marked S.
Spanner wrench used to connect and disconnect fire hoses. Identified by Johnny Linton, Westminster, Md.; Marvin Murray, Cheraw, S.C.; Don Snyder, Decatur, Ill.; Jack Running, Eau Clair, Wis.; Greg Harrell, Sedalia, Mo.; Craig Biniker, Perrysburg, Ohio; Don Snyder, Decatur, Ill.; Clark Colby, North Huntingdon, Pa.; Stan Wegner, Park City, Mont.; and Ray Stephan, Peosta, Iowa.
“This is a Peoria Model 320 combination fire-hose coupling wrench and natural gas supply-valve shut-off wrench,” Clark says. “As you could imagine, this would have been a very popular tool with all fire departments. This one has an ‘S’ cast in it for a specific retail customer. In this case, I’m confident that customer was the Seagrave Fire Apparatus Co., Columbus, Ohio. Most fire apparatus builders sold a line of associated tools and accessories, often made under contract by various suppliers such as Elkhart Brass or Akron Brass [in Wooster, Ohio].”
“It has a number of uses but mainly to grab the lugs on a fire hose coupling to tighten the connection,” Jack says. “It also has a pry-type end with a slot used to shut off a gas main. This particular one appears to have a hinge in the middle so it can be folded to fit in a pocket.”
“I spent 45 years as a career firefighter and these are still part of the requirements to be carried on apparatus for certification today,” Greg says. “The old ones, like the one pictured, are made of steel, but since the 1970s most are aluminum and carried in a bracket on the rig. Many firefighters carry one on their coat so it is always handy.” Photo submitted by Dale Harter, Blakesburg, Iowa.
B. Tool measures about 24 inches long. The square part swivels a little. The inside of square measures about 1-1\8 inches and appears to fit a square shaft. The other end resembles a crowbar nail puller, but is straight. No identifying numbers or letters.
Wrench used to remove or install spike teeth in a threshing machine cylinder. The other end could be used to straighten teeth. Identified by P.T. Rathbone, Marsing, Idaho. Photo submitted by Mike Odell, Fredonia, Kan.
C. Piece measures 7 by 3 inches. Cast into the side: E Cory & Kelly, Chicago.
Quick connect hooks to use with lengths of small rope. Good for leading animals or carrying or pulling objects. Photo submitted by Tim Rowe, Churchville, N.Y.
D. The curved part with the blade moves through the round handle and is covered with deerskin at that juncture; it measures about 3 feet long. The piece appears to be made with two kinds of wood. The blade looks to be cast or forged iron. The maker’s stamp is unclear. There is wear at the deerskin and a darkened area lower on the round part where it might have been gripped. Moving the curved stick along that radius changes the angle of the blade and what it strikes. “To me, it looks like a grubbing tool for agriculture,” says Alan Hood, Fort Worth, Texas, “but the blade is aligned, not at a right angle to the curved stick.”
Hatchet-like tool possibly used by Native Americans in North America. Photo submitted by Alan Hood, Fort Worth, Texas.
E. Piece measures approximately 6 inches tall. No markings.
Hand vise used to clamp and hold. Photo submitted by Bill McClanahan, Hamilton, Ohio.
F. Tool measures 29 inches long with 16-inch handle and metal point.
No positive identification. Possibly a gardener’s dibble used in planting seed or very small plants. Photo submitted by Danny Lanphier, Reasnor, Iowa.
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 August 4, 2023.
Originally published as “Wanted: Gadgets, Gizmos & Contraptions” in the August 2023 issue of Farm Collector Magazine.