Material

iron
steel

Purpose

This tool, with its pivoting guide, was meant primarily for opening square or oblong cans, which were more popular than round cans during the late 19th century.

Creation Date

19th century

Date Details

According to Forgotten Household Crafts (Seymour 40), the first can opener was invented in 1875. What followed was a wave of every imaginable type of opener and combination opening tool. Although a specific date for the opener above could not be located, in 300 Years of Kitchen Collectibles (Franklin 410) a similar opener (except for a wooden handle) with a big blade and pivoting guide was dated circa 1880's. This type of can opener was one of the earliest and was utilized to open square cans. In all probability, the tool above is also an early opener and dates from the late 1800's as well.

Kitchen Artifact ID

K193