A questioner said:
What is this? And how do you use it? We suspect it’s an old can opener but have never seen one like this.
Some of the people opinions on it here:
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That, my dear, is a York nutcracker. The York family lived next door to my grandparents in Lubbock TX!It’s ironic that Lubbock is known for having very few trees, but some very prolific pecan trees! Harvesting pecans and cracking them with our York nutcrackers was an annual event every fall at my Grandparents’ house! Of course, I still have one!
- Pecan sheller
- Most shell pecans. I use it to cut Jolly Ranchers in half to put our freeze drier…
- Nutcracker, pecans etc.
- Crack machine for shelling. Still have one from my parents. Grew up with a pecan orchard behind our house on 5 acre property. Back of property housed my dad’s dairy facilities.
- Nut sheller
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Nutcracker
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This is a joke right. Obviously a Rocky Mountain oyster shucker.
- It makes holes in the papers. Used by the notary or sworn translator
- Looks like an old nutcracker, cool stuff
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
If you’ve come across an unfamiliar kitchen tool, it’s natural to wonder about its purpose and history. You suspect it’s an old can opener, but its design leaves you puzzled. Vintage can openers come in various forms, and many look quite different from the ones we use today. Let’s delve into the world of antique can openers and see if we can identify and understand the tool you’ve found.
The Evolution of Can Openers
The first tin cans were patented in 1810, but the can opener wasn’t invented until almost 50 years later. Early cans were thick and required robust tools to open them. Initially, a hammer and chisel were used, which was cumbersome and unsafe. In 1858, Ezra Warner patented the first can opener, which was a blade that punctured the can and a lever to saw around the edge.
The 20th century brought significant improvements. The “wheel” can opener, invented by William Lyman in 1870, introduced the rotating cutting wheel concept still used today. By 1925, the Star Can Opener Company produced a version with a serrated wheel that gripped the can’s edge, making the process much easier.
Identifying Your Can Opener
Given this history, let’s identify the old can opener you’ve found. Here are some characteristics of vintage can openers that might match your item:
- Key-Wind Can Openers: These resemble a key and are used by turning the key to roll back a strip of metal, creating an opening. They were commonly used for canned meats like sardines.
- Lever-Type Can Openers: These have a pointed blade to puncture the can and a handle to lever around the lid. They often have a rustic, simple design with a wooden or metal handle.
- Bunker Can Openers: Patented in the 1920s, these consist of a plier-like mechanism. They have two handles and a cutting wheel, with one side gripping the can and the other turning to cut.
- Church Key Openers: Named after their resemblance to large keys used in churches, these typically have a pointed end for piercing and a flat end for prying.
How to Use It
- Examine the Tool: Look at the design and moving parts. Identify any sharp edges, wheels, or levers that might be used to pierce and cut the can.
- Piercing the Can: Most vintage can openers start with piercing the can. Place the pointed end or blade on the can’s top edge and apply pressure to puncture it.
- Rotating or Levering: Depending on the type, you might need to rotate a handle (like in a bunker or wheel can opener) or lever the blade around the can (as in a lever-type opener).
- Removing the Lid: Once the can is sufficiently opened, use the tool or your hands to carefully lift off the lid. Beware of sharp edges.
Common Types and Their Usage
- Key-Wind Can Openers: Insert the key into a tab on the can and turn. This rolls back a strip, creating an opening.
- Lever-Type Can Openers: After puncturing, rock the handle back and forth to cut around the lid.
- Bunker Can Openers: Clamp the tool onto the can, squeeze the handles, and rotate to cut the lid.
- Church Key Openers: Use the pointed end to puncture and the flat end to pry open the can.
Conclusion
Identifying and using vintage tools can be both a fascinating and practical endeavor. The old can opener you’ve discovered is a testament to the ingenuity of past kitchen tool designs. By understanding its mechanics and proper usage, you can appreciate its historical value and perhaps even put it back to work. If your can opener doesn’t quite match these descriptions, consider consulting antique kitchenware guides or seeking help from a vintage tool expert. Happy can opening!