Posted 7 years ago
Oldbarngal
(1 item)
Hello! Any idea on how to date this old pitchfork? Farm dates back to at least 1793. Tips are well worn and rounded. It is comprised of one piece of wood with what looks like wooden dowels? Any history on when they were made this way? Thanks for looking! Found in barn behind old haystack with other wooden tools.
Looks really short. Size?
It's actually about 5 feet long
The subfloor you see us 4 x 8 thanks!
Here's one somewhat similar 1892.
http://www.terapeak.com/worth/1892-year-dated-antique-farm-tool-primitive-wood-pitchfork-hay-fork-5-72-ft/112042260581/
That does look similar, however I couldn't find one that is all one piece of wood. It looks like they may have heated up a branch and then split it into 4 slices at the end to make the tines. Does that make sense? Sorry if it sounds confusing!
Google: antique wood primitive pitchfork
There are many out there. They made stuff to last. Nice piece. I'd hang it on my wall.
Google image search that. You Will Never find one exact match. These were made by farmers, and yes they split the wood. Either greenwood, or steamed it and inserted the wedges.
19th century.
They really were quite creative! I found a few one piece forks, but no dates. Guess I will just hang it up on my wall, or maybe use it on my hay for the horses! Sure is sturdy! Thanks for your help! Have a fantastic New Year!
1800's by all references I found. You'll never find an exact date. If you google image search, you'll see images so you don't have to click on every item in regular search. Yours is a really clean example.
There are still people in Transylvania who make and sell it for farmers. The alfalfa is then rotated and harvested after drying.