Vintage Can Openers

Collecting useful pieces of history

When British explorer William Parry used canned food on his 1820s Arctic expeditions, he had to use a chisel and hammer before dining. American Civil War soldiers resorted to bayonets. Not until 1858 did Ezra Warner address this problem by patenting an opener with a pointed blade. Other patents were soon to follow. The Star Can Opener Company established, back in 1925, what is still the principle design of can openers today: the second turning gear.

Classic, enduring appeal

Collectors thrive with the Internet. The Bull's Head, one of the first domestic can openers, is popular on eBay and antique shops. Whereas Lyman's 1925 patent is still prolific in modern manual and electric appliances, the Bull Head has that antique, collector appeal missing from the general houseware aisle.

Single pierce-blade openers, like the "John Wayne," can be found in Swiss Army and pocketknives, bringing another layer of history for the vintage friend.

Brand and place history

If pierce-blade and "John Wayne" designs can be bought off the shelf new and cheap today, why collect antique openers? Many collectible bottle openers are stamped with brand and place names. This carries more history and character than an old patent number. A vintage beer collector would love to complete the collection with an opener stamped with and used on his favorite brand. He can even use it!

The price of collecting

Vintage can openers are affordable. The pierce-blade type and some Bull's Heads can sell for $5. Wall-mounted openers begin around $6-10, depending on condition and design. Vintage electrics may run $30 or more. Want a WWII Bloomfield P-38? A rare, unwrapped P-38 can start at $25, but it is still an affordable collectible.

Whether you want to complete a brand collection or use an opener passed down from your grandmother, antique can openers have history and purpose.