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Figural Can Opener

Offered by: Allan Katz Americana

Description
American. Anonymous maker. Circa 1900.

This full-figured bust is perhaps John L. Sullivan, the most celebrated boxer of his day. One would think that the unknown maker is sending the message about the power of this opener “punching” into your tin can. The back section has another blade to open lower flat cans. Decorated with hearts and stars. The raised letters on the handle are “AT APL FOR” (patent applied for).

I know it’s just a can opener, yet it represents a time in American history when industrial expansion and entrepreneurial behavior became the backbone of America’s growth. With the inception of the tin can, which by 1900 was reaching every hamlet in America, a need arose to open those cans. Inventors were issued thousands of patents for can openers, each thinking theirs was yet an improvement and would be financially successful.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Cast and formed metal. Mounted on an early if not original wooden base.
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Circa 1900
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	188739

Dimensions

H.	12 in;
H.	30.48 cm;

Message from Seller:

A passionate collector and a successful and respected dealer in early American advertising since 1973, Allan expanded this passion to include collecting period American folk art and Americana. He subsequently became a dealer in this material in 1985. Allan has earned a reputation, in both the dealer and collector communities, as being an authority in this subject matter, for having extensive knowledge, a keen eye for the material and a love for this exciting American art form.

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