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 July 2022 items will appear in the September 2022 issue.
A. The U of this shackle-like tool is about 5-1/2 inches long overall and 2-3/4 inches wide at the threaded end. The wrench-like end of the threaded piece is 3/4-inch and that whole part is about 4-3/4 inches long overall. There is a small hole above the center tang. The end of the tang looks like it might have been broken off a long time ago. The only marking is on the tang and is hard to read: looks like 2835 or 2885. The bolt part is actually a wrench too.
Clevis for wooden beam walking plow. Designed for vertical adjustment. Identified by Waldo Bryce Lambeth, Winston-Salem, N.C.; P.T. Rathbone, Marsing, Idaho; Carl Manuel, Weimar, Texas; Charlie Green, Webster, Fla.; Timothy Potaczek, Cornell, Wis.; Nick Caldiero, Afton, N.Y. (who suspects the item’s manufacturer was Eberhard Mfg. Co.); Richard Bader, Middletown, N.Y.; John S. Rauth, Ridgely, Md.; and Harold Kaufman, Porterfield, Wis. Photo submitted by Edward Gilman, Oro Valley, Ariz.
B. Tool measures 28 inches in length and is marked B&M RR.
Railroad oiler packing iron. The small ear about halfway down the shaft was used to open the journal box. The forked end was used to pack cotton waste material that had been soaked in oil into the journal box. Identified by Stan Seevers, Argenta, Ill.; Richard Bader; Harold Kaufman; and Jim Sevacek, Hoisington, Kan. Photo submitted by Scott Schindeldecker, Braham, Minn.
C. No information provided.
Plumber’s tap borer, used to bore or scrape a hole in a thin workpiece such as a lead pipe. The tool is used to bore and ream holes rather than cut. Identified by John S. Rauth and Harold Kaufman. Photo submitted by Krey Miller, Pomeroy, Wash.

D. Tool measures 4-1/2 inches wide by 5 inches long. Marked Loudens Patent Dec. 4, ’94.
Hay carrier tripping device. This adjustable trip has a rope lock with a long bearing surface on the rope. When the carrier is tripped, the rope lock instantly grips the rope and holds it firmly. Identified by Nick Caldiero, Richard Bader and Harold Kaufman. See Patent No. 631,896. Photo submitted by Daniel Jepson, Miles, Iowa.
E. No information provided.
No positive identification. Photo submitted by Ed Appel, Gatesburg, Ill.
F. No information provided.
Cigar box opener used to cut the paper between the lida and box. Also has a nail-pulling claw with hammer and a small notch to loosen the nail head. The entire curved edge is sharp enough to cut the paper. Identified by Ed Millemon, Nardin, Okla. Photo submitted by Billy Fiveash, Hendersonville, Tenn.
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 6, 2022.