Antique Toolbox: July Mystery Tool

Can you guess the July mystery tool?

Here’s July’s mystery tool—can you guess its purpose? For reference, its dimensions are: 10 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 3 inches deep.

If you think you know what it is, share your guess using the contact form below. Include your full name and the town where you live. Submissions are due by Monday, July 25, 2025. The correct answer will be revealed on Friday, August 1. Good luck!

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Submission Form

For information, visit landisvalleymuseum.org.

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June Mystery Tool

Jennifer Royer, museum curator at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, has identified the item as a calf weaner. It features a leather headband with an iron crown consisting of eight tines. This device was used to prevent young calves from nursing.

According to museum records, Henry Landis purchased the calf weaner for 15 cents on Tuesday, April 17, 1926, at a public sale held on the premises of the late Wm. T. Coleman. The property—located about one mile from Peach Bottom on the road between the Old Dorsey Mill and the Fulton Highway—included a 42-acre farm with a stream capable of providing water power, a stand of hardwood timber, and various antiques and personal items. The sale was conducted by R.F. Coleman, executor of William. T. Coleman’s estate, with Thomas Collins serving as auctioneer.

Correct answers were submitted by Erle Smith, Charles Sweigart, Pamela Lyons-Neville, Marc Benedict, Michelle Luther, Sarah Debree, Roseanne D., and Christa Kessler.

Some of my favorite (but incorrect) guesses included:

• A gardening tool for planting seeds in mounds—or possibly troughs—ideal for crops like potatoes or pickles.
• A crupper used to keep a saddle from sliding too far forward on a horse.
• A vintage bull-rider’s spur, worn for both function and flair.
• An antique soil aerator, meant to be strapped to your boots for low-effort lawn care.

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