For your consideration is this vintage 1920s Can Opening Wrench, a unique collectible piece from the coal mining industry and useful kitchen gadget. This piece was invented by Thomas Harding and Bernard Biehl Sr and assigned US Patent Number US1457774A on June 5, 1923. The item was manufactured by J L Sommer Manufacturing Company of Newark, New Jersey and appears to have been made of steel. Embossed on one handle is "St. Bernard Coal Co. / Since 1870) and was most likely sold in their company store or given away as an advertising item. This coal company at its height had 8 mines...all of which closed following WWII. This vintage tool measures 8 inches in length and 2.9 inches in width when in the closed position (both handles overlapping). It weighs 4.1 ounces. Such a great piece of early 20th century manufacturing and representation of the mining industry.
Patent Excerpt: "Provide an improved wrench more especially for opening that class of cans, jars, bottles or the like, which have screw tops or caps; to provide such a wrench which shall be capable of, fitting a large range of sizes of such caps or tops, and engage them all firmly and securely; to enable the wrench to be quickly and easily applied to tops, or caps of various sizes, without any particular care or adjustment; to secure such an arrangement-of the jaws for smaller tops or caps, with respect to the other. jaws, that they serve as a stop to engage the top or cap and position the wrench; to strengthen the jaws of the wrench so that they will not spring or twist out of their proper plane; to effect such strengthening by having the jaws for the smaller sizes-of tops or cap reinforce the, jaws for larger sizes, and to obtain other results and advantages as may be brought out."
Preparation & Condition: Seller cleaned the piece with Barkeeper's friend and lightly polished with Peek's to remove surface debris and rust. Seller was unable to remove all of the corrosion, but has wiped down with WD40 to prohibit further corrosion.
Shop with confidence when you shop
with us. Our items are gently cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized prior to
listing.
Antebellum Anne's strives to provide as accurate a
description to the best of my abilities. Please be certain to view all photos
as they are considered part of this item's description. I do typically ship
within 24 hours of order placement. I recycle shipping supplies as often as
possible thus allowing for additional savings for you, my customer. All items
are stored and shipped from a smoke free but pet friendly home. If there is any
odor detected, the listing will reflect that in the description.
International Buyers – Please Note: Buyers are responsible
for all customs fees.
I do offer 30-day returns; however, the item(s) must be in
same condition as described in the listing. Please utilize the shipping
materials provided with the shipment. If the item is damaged during shipment,
please contact me with photos.
Buyers should be aware that we often see delays in
shipping with USPS Ground Advantage and Media Mail, especially getting stuck
for multiple days at distribution centers. These delays are beyond our control.
We ask buyers who need an item swiftly to choose an alternate method of
shipping when checking out. Thank you for your understanding.