Figural Can Opener

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Origin

United States

Period

1900-1919

Materials

Cast and formed metal. Mounted on an early if not original wooden base.

Dimensions

H.	12 in;
H.	30.48 cm;

Condition

Excellent.

Creation Date

Circa 1900

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.

Styles / Movements

Americana, Folk Art, Traditional

Incollect Reference Number

188739