We get strange mystery objects in here all the time. Usually with some time and research I can figure out what they are, but there are always a few that prove a real challenge and some that I never actually manage to identify.
This Tarbox and Bogart antique jar wrench was one of those mystery items. Having never seen one like this before it took me a little bit of guess work to identify it. You can tell how old it is from the patina and of course, the patent date! These little tools were quite handy for taking the tops off of jars. You simply adjusted the handle and the two halves of the round portion would separate, allowing you to fit the wrench over the lid. Then you would move the handle again and the wrench would close around the lid, gripping it. All you had to do was give it a turn and viola, No more lid!
This Tarbox and Bogart antique jar wrench was one of those mystery items. Having never seen one like this before it took me a little bit of guess work to identify it. You can tell how old it is from the patina and of course, the patent date! These little tools were quite handy for taking the tops off of jars. You simply adjusted the handle and the two halves of the round portion would separate, allowing you to fit the wrench over the lid. Then you would move the handle again and the wrench would close around the lid, gripping it. All you had to do was give it a turn and viola, No more lid!