Linda’s Universal “7-Way” Tool. Photo by Linda Lamb. The piece was gifted to her by collector Russ Howser.
I remember running across this weird-looking palm-sized gizmo some years back and having no clue what it was or how it was used. A little discussion with collector Russ Howser and a little research gave me the answer!
This unusual antique cast iron contraption is a “Universal Tool,” patented by in 1881. It is commonly called a “7-way tool.”
W.H. Thayer Universal Tool 1881 Patent
According to the patent specification filed by William Henry Thayer, the tool was made for use as a meat tenderizer, lid lifter, plate & shallow dish carrier, pot & kettle carrier, trivet/stand, pan holder, pouring assist, and more! It is today commonly called a “7-Way Tool.”
7-way tool description; paper origin unknown. The “candle opener” and “bottle opener” and “pie crimper” uses were additions along the way somewhere; they were not contained in the original patent but are creative additional uses for this piece. Interestingly, it says that the piece is typically found in cast brass.
A neat piece to add your collection and have for display (Linda has hers hanging on her kitchen wall) if you can find one!
2 Comments
Mary
March 12, 2023 at 11:34 amThank you! Linda was looking for the markings on hers – mystery solved!
doug madden
March 11, 2023 at 9:51 pmsome of these are marked with the ‘thayer’ name on the side, others are marked with just the patent year (on one side of the meat tenderizer prongs) and some abbreviation of the word ‘patented’ on the other side. https://imgur.com/gallery/gmyTROD