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.