Peerless Cast Iron Can Opener

This tool at Smith’s Tavern is a cast iron multi-tool with “Peerless” and “August 12, 1902” stamped on the center sliding plate.  The tool was invented by Moses L. Hawks (patent # 706,823) of New York, New York. It is comprised of a handle or frame provided with a centering spur at one end, a longitudinal slot and short transverse slot , with an elongated sliding plate having its end bent downward.  One end is pointed and sharpened forming a knife and the other bent backward upon the underside of the frame thus securing the plate and knife to the frame. Later versions of this tool had a sharpening stone feature.

Reference:  Can Opener Patent Record

Catalog Items:

Item None

Location:	Panel 9
Length:	17 cm
Width:	4 cm
Weight:	62 g