What is This Tool?

A curious questioner asked about an unfamiliar tool suspected to be an old can opener but had never seen one like it. Here’s a summary of various opinions and insights from people:

Identifying the Tool

Responses and Opinions:

• York Nutcracker: One person identified it as a York nutcracker, reminiscing about using it to crack pecans at their grandparents’ house in Lubbock, TX, a place known for prolific pecan trees.
• Pecan Sheller: Another agreed, calling it a pecan sheller.
• Multipurpose Use: Some mentioned using it to cut Jolly Ranchers for a freeze dryer.
• Other Guesses: Other suggestions included nutcracker, nut sheller, Rocky Mountain oyster shucker, and a notary or translator’s tool for making holes in papers.

Uncovering the Mystery

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, many looking quite different from the ones we use today. Let’s delve into the world of antique can openers to identify and understand the tool you’ve found.

The Evolution of Can Openers

The first tin cans were patented in 1810, but can openers weren’t invented until almost 50 years later. Early cans were thick and required robust tools. Initially, a hammer and chisel were used—cumbersome and unsafe. In 1858, Ezra Warner patented the first can opener, a blade that punctured the can and a lever to saw around the edge.

The 20th century brought significant improvements. William Lyman’s 1870 invention 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, simplifying the process.

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

1. 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.
2. Pierce 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.
3. Rotate or Lever: Depending on the type, rotate a handle (like in a bunker or wheel can opener) or lever the blade around the can (as in a lever-type opener).
4. Remove 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 fascinating and practical. The old can opener you’ve discovered showcases 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 match these descriptions, consult antique kitchenware guides or seek help from a vintage tool expert. Happy can opening!