Like the can openers of today, these variations on this common kitchen tool were used to open cans of food. From left to right: manually operated-cast handle, forged steel blade, from mid-19th century; another from mid 19th century; with cork screw-this style is still available today. These types are worked by pulling the blade up and down around the edge of a can. Another still available today, the blade cuts along the edge of the can as the handle is turned; an example of a can opener that is fastened to the wall and worked by turning handle.
