What is this?

[kramer88]

This is a tool I found at a farm auction this weekend.  I was wondering what it is.  On the handle it reads "paid may 23 1876" or "maid may 23 1876" its hard to make out.  If anyone knows what this tool is please let me know. 

[hosman321]

Looks like something to do with gardening or cultivating?
Here are all the items patented on May 23, 1876.

http://www.google.com/patents?q=may+23+&btnG=Search+Patents&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=5&as_miny_is=1876&as_maxm_is=6&as_maxy_is=1876

Each link contains a picture that you can compare your item to.

[mart]

What is the size

[waywardangler]

It does resemble the modern "claw" that is used to break-up soil but I do not see it in the patents yet. Are you positive of the date?

Could you include a close-up pic of the patent marking?

[kysfinest]

Here is what i found on this item...."A fruit lifter?"

http://www.bullworks.net/daily/20070902.htm

Patent number 177,863 was issued on May 23, 1876 to William McCormick of Blair, Nebraska. His concern was that existing lifters become clogged, and the design of his "flattened" double helix provided a more open 'core' between the arms and fewer turns than did Schmeltzer & Roberts.

Hope this helps

[mart]

Well I sure would not have thought about that !!  Paint can stirrer,, yes but fruit lifter

[kramer88]

Wow!! Thanks for all your help, I never would have thought of a fruit lifter but you sure are right!! That is very interesting.

[kysfinest]

I wouldn't have thought of that either. My husband suggested it might be an old hay tool and i just searched off of that idea

[ironlord1963]

   O.k. forgive my ignorance here but what is a fruit lifter and why would you want to lift a fruit     

[waywardangler]

According to the patent, it is for loosening up dried fruit. Dried fruit must have been shipped packed and it was probably hard to get out of the packing container. This was inserted into the fruit and twisted breaking up the fruit so it could be easily taken out. I am guessing this had to do with barrels and general stores that sold the fruit by the pound etc. right out of the barrel.

Good job kysfinest.

[KC]

Ditto....great job figuring it out!!!!  Love the "What Is It" items!!!!!!