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 three sent in by readers. Do you know what
they are?
August’s mystery tools
A. Transmission spring compressor for Model T
Ford. Owned by Stan Pollard of Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada.
According to a similar patent (no. 1,433,944), “All of the springs
are simultaneously compressed and held and the shafts are prevented
from rocking in their bearings when the removable section of the
casing is being replaced on the transmission casing.”
B. Unknown. Owned by Joe Greiwe of Batesville,
Ind. There were no guesses as to what this item might be, so it
remains a mystery.
C. Ash pan. Owned by Harold Randall of
Springport, Mich. This is apparently an ash pan for a stove. No
other information was submitted.
Above: A similar patent, no. 1,433,944, was
issued to H.R. Downey on Oct. 31, 1922.
From July:
John Olson of Parsons, Kan., claims this is a sole press, used
to form pieces of leather used in shoe repair. Bob Wittersheim of
Carleton, Mich., thinks this is an incomplete fruit press used to
make cider or wine.
HOW TO SEND “What-Is-It?” photos and/or
identifications to Farm Collector: Photos of submitted
items should be taken in a well-lighted area against a plain
background if possible. Due to the volume of material we receive,
we cannot guarantee when submitted material will be published.
Items may be sent by:
• Regular mail:Farm Collector, 1503
S.W. 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609.
• E-mail: editor@FarmCollector.com
For digital photos, adjust “image size” to “full,” “3:2” or
“UXGA.” Adjust “image quality” to “high” or “fine.” For scanned
photos, use “300 dpi;” send “jpeg.”
