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Ice Tongs
This section contains ice tongs, both for carrying block ice and serving ice cubes.
Single Handle Block Ice Tongs	Two Handle Block Ice Tongs	Ice Cube Tongs

"T" Handle Configurations

Patent 205,169 Issued May 22, 1878 (Pre-patent example)

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 17-1/2",

PAT APLD FOR cast in the center of the handle. The handle includes an ice pick on one end and a small hatchet on the other. The two tong legs swing free from bottom side of handle shank.

Patent 348,858 Issued Sept 7, 1886

L - 5-1/2",

Referred to as an Ice Carrier. "T" handle, blade on opposite end that is bored into the ice then pulling on the "T" handle two prongs engage the sides of the bored hole enabling the block ice to be lifted. PAT APPLD FOR in a tight circle on the upper end of one of the tangs.

Patent - 356,630 issued Jan 25, 1887

L -10-1/16", Spread - 7",

The "T" handle and the housing around the pivot area are cast steel. There is a steel tube between these two parts and is encircled with a stiff copper spring. PAT 1887 cast in the pivot housing.

The main difference between these two ice tongs is the construction of the pivot area and the top one has nickel plate and the tong legs are cast. I think the top configuration was the later prototype because of the simpler and more economical configuration to manufacture. Anyone have other thoughts???

L - 15-1/2", Spread - 13-1/2",

PAT APD FOR on both sides of the housing containing a spring. When the hand squeezes between the "T" handle and the finger tabs the tongs open and when the pressure is released the tongs close. The tongs are nickel coated and the tongs legs are made of 1/4" X 3/4' flat plate stock.

L - 16-1/4", Spread - 14",

PAT APD FOR on the casting just above the pivot area. 2359 stamped on opposite sides of the leg of casting. The housing is made in two halves and encases a spring and the stem attached to the "T" handle. The tong legs are made of 1/4"X3/4" flat steel as measured near the pivot area. There are traces of black paint remaining on the tong legs.

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 9-3/48",

PAT APL FOR on the housing between the pivot and the T handle and 2859 cast in the curved legs of the housing assembly. The number 212 cast on one side of each tong leg. This set of ice tongs is smaller than the other two and was probably meant for use in the home.

Note: Even though the stem is bent the tongs work fully and smoothly.

Size comparison of the three above Ice Tongs,

Left; Length - 16-1/4" , Spread - 14-1/2"

Center; Length - 12-1/2", Spread - 8-1/2"

Right; Length - 15-1/2", Spread - 14"

Top of the Document

Single Handle Block Ice Tongs

Patented Single Handle Ice Tongs

Patent 136,593 Issued Mar 11, 1873

L - 11-3/4", Spread - 9", PAT is stamped in the center of the handle. The tongs have an oval cross section shape.. The ice tongs are identified in the 1883 SIMMONS HARDWARE COMPANY catalog as No. 0, Ice Tongs, for Kitchen, $3.00 per dozen

Patent 187,609 Issued Feb. 20, 1877

L - 19-7/8", Spread - 12-5/8'<

P. EULER PAT FEB. 25 77 T.NY on one tong leg just below the pivot. I think the marking is in error since the tongs were patented on the 20^th. The tongs are made of 3/4"X1/4" flat steel. The mechanism between the pivot and the handle controls the amount the tongs will open and close.

Patent 210,737 issued December 10, 1878

Length - 11", Spread - 13-1/2",

The tongs are flat on the inside surface and has a convex outside surface. There is a ring around the two legs acting as a sliding pivot.

The end of either of the arms may be extended out beyond the pivot-point, so as to form a thumb piece, by pressing against the thumb piece the lower ends of the arms will be forced apart and the ice released.

Patent 247,861 Issued Oct. 4, 1881

L - 15-1/2", Spread 13"

GIFFORD-WOOD CO. HUDSON, N.Y. stamped on the side of one tong leg and 551-12IN (12 indicating the tong span) on the other tong leg. There are no other marking on the tool. The tongs are listed in the GIFFORD-WOOD 1909 Catalog as Patent Link Cincinnati Tongs for $12.50 per dozen. Three sizes were listed; 10" 12" & 15". Note: This particular set of ice tongs was manufactured many years after the patent was issued; however, it was made to the criteria of the patent. Gifford-Wood Co. was founded in 1905.

Patent - 296,126 issued April 1, 1884

L - 14", Spread - 12",

PAT APR. 1, 84 cast on the horizontal section above the pivot on one side of each half. The tong legs cast oval shape 0.55" X 0.27" measured at the top of the vertical portion of the leg. The handle is made of 0.25" steel rod.

Pre- Patent - 296,126 issued April 1, 1884

L - 15-1/2", Spread - 14",

Markings on one leg - "PAT APPLD FOR" are hard to see, A single half loop 0.25" wire handle, The tong legs are made of 0.25" X 0.50 iron oval stock with a single pivot point. Tongs are built to the shape depicted in the patent.

Patent 269,126 Issued April 1, 1884 Variant

L - 14-1/2", Spread - 15-1/2",

Single half loop 0.25" spring-rod handle, tong legs cast oval shape 0.55" X 0.27" at center of the leg. No markings.

Patent 296,126 Issued April 1, 1884 Variant

L - 15", Spread - 11",

Handle is made of 1/4" diameter spring-rod and the tongs made of 1/4" flat stock. Second set of holes that may have been to adjust the pivot. No markings.

Comparison of the two variant samples.

The physical size and shape is seen in the picture. The one on the left has the cast legs and the one on the right has the legs made of 1/4" flat material. The one on the right has an additional hole in each leg just above the pivot. The handle of each is made of the same spring-rod

Patent 354,431 Issued Dec. 14, 1886

L - 17-1/2", Spread - 16-1/4",

PAT. DEC. 14, 1886 stamped on one of the tong legs. Tongs points are replaceable. The tong legs are made of flat steel stock, 1.10" wide and 0.25" thick at the single pivot. Single link between handle and upper end of tong legs The patent states the replaceable points can be round, triangular or square cross sections.

Patent 361,108 Issued Apr. 12, 1887

L - 18-3/4", PAT APR 12 87 & HSYBY on the sides of the handle. Tongs made of 0.16" flat plate steel, 0.125' flat plate steel for the links between the tongs and the handle. The handle is cast or forged steel, single handle and pivot.

Patent 405,001 Issued June 11, 1889

L - 16" , Spread - 7-3/4",

Single handle with "T" lever to squeeze which pulls the tongs together. Spring on the "T" causes tongs to open when the squeeze pressure is released. Six points on swivel plate on each tong leg. PAT JUNE 11, 89 stamped on one of the horizontal links. A wood handle 3.5" long. Major portion of metal structure is 0.35" steel wire/rod.

Patent 458,383 issued August 25, 1891

L - 14", Spread - 10",

Made from a single piece of 0.2" iron wire. The tongs are design such that the two sides of the tongs open when the handle is squeezed the tong legs open. The legs are designed so the tongs can be lower into water coolers, refrigerator or other narrow places. No markings.

Patent 572,952 Issued Dec. 15, 1896

L - 17", Spread - 14.5",

"THE JAXON" PATD. 12.15.96 on each tong near the pivot. 0.125" flat steel material for the tongs and handle bracket. Wooden handle.

Patent 572,952 Issued Dec. 15, 1896 Variant

L - 17", Spread - 16",

No markings. Handle is 4" long including the castings attached to each end. The supports between the handle and the tongs are steel castings and 0.15 X 0.75" flat steel material for the tongs.

Patent 572,952 Issued Dec. 15, 1896 Variant

L - 13-3/8", Spread - 11-1/2",

Metal handle 3-3/4" long. Total tongs made of 0.125" thick by 0.73" wide flat steel. No markings..

Patent 572,952 Issued Dec. 15, 1896 Variant

L - 13", Spread - 11-7/8",

Tong legs made of 1" X 0.20" flat steel stock. Metal between handle and tong legs made of 1.25" X 0.20" flat steel stock. Wood cylinder handle is 3" long and 1" diameter. No markings.

Patent 576,461 Issued Feb. 2, 1897 to William Louden, of Fairfield, Iowa

L - 16-1/8", Spread - 14"

An "F" is stamped in three locations on the tongs, probably by the owner. By squeezing the top and bottom parts of the handle together will cause the tongs to spread

Patent 576,461 Issued Feb. 2, 1897

L - 17-1/4", Spread - 17",

By squeezing the upper and bottom parts of the handle together causes the tongs to open. Tong legs made of 0.21" X 1.03' flat steel. LOUDEN, the patentee is stamped across the upper section of the handle and the patent date, FEB, 2 1897 is stamped on both links between the handle and the upper end of the tongs. All the lettering is difficult to read. Notice the difference in the shape of the upper end of the tongs with the link to the handle. This pair are straight where as the other pair are slightly curved.

Patent 576,461 Issued Feb. 2, 1897

L - 18-1/4", Spread - 17-1/2",

Squeezing the upper and bottom parts of the handle together causes the tongs to open. LOUDEN on the upper handle and PAT'D on the link between the tong leg and the ends of the handle. All the marking are hard to read.

LOUDEN

Notice the difference in the shape of the upper portion of the handle on this item as compared with the two above examples.

PAT'D

Patent 576,461 Issued Feb. 2, 1897 to William Louden, of Fairfield, Iowa

L - 17"; Spread - 13-1/5",

Another sample of Patent 576,461. Notice the longer and straight cast links between the handle and the tong legs. Tong legs made of flat steel 1" X 0.20" measured just below the single pivot point. The "8" on the link to the right of the center part of the handle. It is similar to marking on the other three Louden tongs in the collection. These other three samples are not clearly enough to identify.

Patent 578,215 Issued Mar. 2, 1897

L - 15-1/2", Spread - 14-1/2",

PATD MAR 2, 97 & 14 on one side of the tong leg. Patent date also on the four links between the handle and the tong legs, Double action pivot.

Patent 578,215 Issued Mar. 2, 1897

L - 17-1/4", Spread - 14-1/2",

PATD MAR. 2, 97 & "15" on one leg of the tongs, two links between the center area of the handle and each tong leg. Each link has dog leg bend to coincide to the attachment with the tong leg. Single handle and 1 pivot point.

Patent 608,848 Issued Aug. 9, 1898

L - 16-1/4", Spread - 11-1/4",

A spring clip mechanism latches over the horizontal section of the lower portion of the handle assembly and retains the tongs in the open position. There are no markings. The latching mechanism is not exactly as show in the patent drawing but it and all the other features meet the intent of the invention.

Patent 618,640 Issued Jan. 31, 1899

L - 15-1/4", Spread - 10-3/4",

Single handle with a compound pivot. Handle and grip are cast iron and the legs are made of 1/8" flat stock iron. PATENTED JAN'Y 31,'99 stamped on both sides the triangular area below the handle and grip. The tongs were found in the seller's brother-in-law's garage in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

Patent 618,748 Issued Jan 31, 1899

Block Ice Tongs 064 copy

L - 15-1/2", Spread - 13-1/2",

PATD JAN 31 '99 is on the lower horizontal bar of the inner portion of the handle. Squeezing the inner "D" to the upper portion of the handle spreads the tong points for engaging the ice block. Handle portion made of roll stock 0.34" diameter and the tongs are made of flat stock 0.25" thick by 0.63' wide.

Patent 621,356 Issued Mar. 21, 1899

L - 26-1/2", Spread - 21",

PAT MAR 21, 99 BY A D MARSH, on one side of the lower portion of the handle, double action pivot.

I don't know which of these two marking configurations came first.

Patent 698,730 Issued April 29, 1902

L - 16", Spread - 14",

MCMASTERS cast in the bottom portion of the handle casting. The upper ends of tongs slides through slots in handle to open tongs. Tong legs made of 1/8"

The patentee name McMASTERS is, cast in the lower portion of the handle

PAT. NO 698730 stamped on the upper end of one tong leg.

Patent 698.730 Issued April 29, 1902

L - 15-1/2", Spread - 13-1/2"

PAT APRIL 29 stamped on upper end of one tong leg. Traces of original black paint exist. The upper ends of tongs slides through slots below the handle to open the tongs. Tongs are made of 0.10" flat plate stock and the handle is cast.

Patent 836,594 Issued Nov. 20, 1906

L = 19-3/4", Spread = 18-1/2",

0.30" flat plate for the tongs and 0.62" dia stock for the handle. No markings.

Patent 836,594 Issued Nov. 20, 1906

L - 17-3/4" , Spread - 13-3/4",

This is another configuration identified in patent 836,594.

Heavy duty flat metal construction. The tongs legs are 0.25" thick and 0.88" wide in the pivot area. The handle structure is 0.40" thick. The four pivot links are 0.14" thick. No markings.

Patent 928,090 Issued July 13, 1909

L - 16-7/8", Spread - 11-1/2",

Squeezing the handle together with the outer frame will open the tongs and the spring causes the tongs to close thus grasping the block of ice. This enables one hand operation. The tongs made of 0.5" X 0.125" flat steel. No markings.

Patent 1,065,056 Issued June 17, 1913

L - 23-1/4", Spread - 17-7/8"

Heavy duty steel frame. It appears the scale indicated has been replaced. The scale works smooth and appears to be accurate. PATD JUNE 17, 1913 on the upper end of the scale housing just below the handle. 0-50 pound spring scale. I would hate to try to work with these tongs and try carrying 50 lbs. of ice!!! These were probably used at the ice house, moving large blocks and loading delivery vehicles.

Patent 1,401,777 Issued Dec. 27, 1921

L - 19-1/2", Spread - 14,

VIVIAN stamped on each tong below the pivot. Made of flat plate steel 0.27" thick by 1.05" wide at the pivot. The bracket holding the single leather handle is riveted instead of bolted as shown in the patent.

Patent 1,459,339 Issued June 19, 1923

L - 16", Spread - 15",

O.R.MEINHOLDT & CO. 825 ANN AVE. & 527 on one tong leg and PAT PEND and I on each of the brass links between the handle ends and the tong legs. Tong legs material - 0.86" X 0.185" flat steel at the pivot. Tubular handle - 0.83" diameter.

Patent 1,462,758 Issued July 24, 1923

L - 13-1/4", Spread - 14-1/8",

PAT'D JULY 24, 1923 stamped on one of the 2" straps between the handle and the tong leg. Smooth metal tubular handle with a strap running thru the center and a slot at each end where 2" straps connected the handle to the tongs legs.

Pre-Patent 1,462,758 Issued July 24, 1923

L - 13-1/8", Spread - 12-1/4',

D HENDERSON DALLAS TEX on one side of tong leg just below the pivot point and PAT P (Patent Pending) on the other side. Single handle shaped tubular steel and has flat plate extensions on each end with a slot to allow handle to slide.

Patent 1,464,232 Issued Aug. 7, 1923 to John T Beam, of Sulphur, Oklahoma

L - 21 - 3/4", Spread - 22-1/4",

J. T. BEAN SCALE PAT'D AUG. 7, 1923 stamped just above the scale on the brass scale housing.

0-50 in 1 lb. increments scale on the scale housing. A single pointer. The small curved finger piece to the left of the scale allows the user to hold the tongs open with one hand.

Patent 1,755,256 Issued April 22, 1930

L - 14-1/2", Spread - L - 13-3/4",

Tongs made of flat steel 1"X0.25" at the pivot. A spring has added between the top ends of the tong legs. I think the spring may have been added by the user to help the tongs close when grasping the block ice.

Patent 1,755,256 Issued April 22, 1930 (Variants)

L - 16-1/4", Spread - 12-1/2",

Three links between the handle and each tong top, Handle made of 5/8" diameter stock. Tongs made of flat steel 0.25" thick by 0.92" wide.

L - 16", Spread - 13-1/2",

Single handle made from flat stock and rounded to "U" shape in an arch for comfort in carrying block ice. Single pivot. Tongs made of 0.25" flat steel. Two chain links between handle and tongs. No markings.

L - 17-1/2" , Spread - 11-1/4",

2 chain links between handle and tong top, 1.25"X0.28" flat steel at the pivot, single pivot, handle made of rounded flat stock with small gap on the top side.

L - 13-3/4", Spread - 9-1/4",

The handle is rolled flat steel. The tong legs are made of flat steel 0.20" thick and 1" wide at the pivot. No markings.

Patent 1,906,454 Issued May 2, 1933

L - 10", Spread - 4-3/4", The primary objective of the tongs is for lifting hot canned jars from the water and the serrated edges along the bottom side of the handle and the inside of the upper sections of the tong legs can be used for opening jars with twist-off caps. The patentee also states the tongs 'may be utilized for grasping and lifting other article such as ear corn, meat, or even ice."

Patent 2,177,038 Issued Oct 24, 1939

L - 16-3/4", Spread - 15",

D. HENDERSON, DALLAS, TEX, patentee, on opposite sides of tongs, one on each leg. Links between handle and tong top, handle made of 1" tubular steel.

Design Patent D182,334 Issued March 18, 1958

L - 13-1/4", Spread - 13"

The tongs are made of 3/4" X 1/4" flat steel and have a rubber handle. No markings.

Design Patent 182,334

Drawing

Patent D206,091 Issued Oct 25, 1966 (Pre-Patent Issue)

Length and Spread - 11-1/2"

Chrome plated. THOMPSON ICE TONGS, PORTLAND, ORE.

PATS. DES. 182,334 AND PEND just below the handle and around the pivot point. One tong is fixed to the handle and the other moves about the pivot point.

Note:

Design Patent 206,091 does reference Design Patent 182,334, so, the Thompson ice tongs referenced the earlier patent until the later patent was approved and issued. It is also noted that Julien A. Thompson of Portland, Oregon was the co-patentee of patent D182,334 and the assignor for patent D206,091 was to Thompson Metal Fab, a corporation in Oregon.

Design Patent 206,091

Drawing

Non Patented Single Handle Ice Tongs

L - 15-1/4", Spread - 11",

To open the tongs with one hand on the handle, reach to the opening ring with one finger on the grasping hand and pull up. The pictures to the right show the open and close stops. No marking on the tongs.

Stop position when tongs are closed

Stop position when Tongs are Open

L - 14-1/2", Spread - 15-3/4",

There are two pivot points. One at the top of each tong leg. When the handle is pushed down and the tong legs make contact with the block ice they open. The tong legs are about 1" wide near the pivot, about 0.35" thick along the inside edge and tapers to 0.1" on the outer edge. No markings.

L -16-1/4", Spread -12-3/4",

The tongs are made of 1/4" flat stock varying in width from 0.40" to 0.75". The handle is 0.35" round stock.

The interesting point is the pivots do not have protruding heads indicating the holes are tapered to retain the pins. The handle is attached at the bottom to a link through the top pivot then down to the right pivot. The two tong legs are attached and cross at the bottom pivot and end at the lateral pivots. There is a short link from the top pivot to the left pivot.

L - 14-1/2", Spread - 10",

GIFFORD-WOOD CO. HUDSON, N.Y. is stamped on the upper portion of each tong leg. The legs are made of 0.75"X0.25"flat steel and the tips are flattened and spread to 1.4" and have a small lip. The handle is 0.7" solid steel. There is a flat metal link between the top of each leg and one end of the handle.

L - 14-3/4", spread - 11",

GIFFORD WOOD CO. markings are located on each tong just below the pivot. The tongs are made of 3/4" X 1/4" flat steel. The bottom ends of the legs are flared to accept 1.5" X 1"pads with five ridges each to better grasp the ice.

L = 14", Spread = 16-3/4", 0.21" metal structure. Wooden handle. No special markings.

L - 13 - 1/4", Spread - 10-5/8",

MADE EXPRESSLY FOR POLAR ICE CO. 9TH & SALEM PRICE 35 (cent) printed on the sides of the wood handle.

Tong legs made of 0.25" steel rod. Double action pivot sections are flattened from the tong legs material. No other markings.

L - 14", Spread - 15",

Wood "T" handle with the following marking.

CUSHING ICE COMPANY

CUSHING OKLA

PHONE 111

Double action pivots, 0.14" flat steel, 0.50" wide construction.

L - 13-1/2", Spread - 11"

A wooden handle with brass ferrule on each end. JOS <> PHIL'A is stamped on one side of one of the tongs about 1-1/2" from the pivot.

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 16"

A wooden handle and 0.20" diameter wire construction.

POLAR ICE COMPANY Weston, W. Va. is printed on the handle.

L -12-1/2" , Spread - 11",Wood handle and single chain link between handle wire tab end and top of each tong leg. No markings.

L - 14", Spread - 14-3/4",

Bell ICE CO. Phone Seneca 210 plus other unreadable markings on the wood handle. 3" flat 0.10"X0.4" steel links between handle and top of tong legs. Top of tongs legs and the points are flattened. Legs made or 0.30" wire/rod steel.

L - 19-1/2", Spread - 21", KENWORTH MFG CO. MILWAUKEE, KARTON TONG on one of the tongs. Double action pivot and a single pivot at the attachment to the handle. Two rows of six teeth each on each tong. All metal structure made of flat steel, 0.14" thick and 0.64" wide.

This item was not intended to handle block ice.

L - 12-1/2", Spread 15"

0.20" diameter wire construction.

MINDER COTTON OIL & ICE CO. LTD. PHONE 80 on one side of the upper portion of the handle, a flower pattern on the other side. Hinge point at base of handle and the tow tongs swing loose.

L = 14", Spread = 15-1/8",

0.20" diameter structure.

PAT APL'D FOR upside down on the handle extension and just above the slot.

L - 10-3/4", Spread - 13-1/2",

Made of 0.24" steel wire/rod.

L - 13-7/8" , Spread - 16-1/5",

The tong legs are attached directly to the bottom of the handle. The legs are tapered in the area where they are connected to the handle. No markings.

L - 13.25", Spread - 10-5/8",

Tongs made of 0.50" X 0.25" flat steel. The stock is thinned at the pivot area. The handle area is made of 0.375" rod/wire stock. Looking at the lower area of the handle where it attaches to the pivot area it is flattened similar to the tong legs. The handle had, what looks like a bicycle rubber handle grip (pictured to the right), installed over the oval handle. I don't know if the original handle had some kind of covering.

L - 14-3/4", Spread - 14-1/4",

Tongs made of 0.85" X 0.80" flat steel with a slight dogleg at the pivot. Attachment points for the leather strap handle are race track shaped loops. There are no marking.

L = 15-3/4", Spread = 11-1/8",

0.20" flat plate structure. "8" & "CL" marking on area between pivot and one end of handle. Leather strap handle.

L - 14, Spread - 14-1/2",

The tong legs are made of 0.75"X0.10" flat steel. The handle is a loose steel tube that can slide over the flat steel bar. The two tabs on the upper ends of the legs prevent the user's hand from hitting the block ice when placing the tongs over the ice for pick-up.

L = 14-3/4", Spread = 12" 0.66" Tubular stainless structure with a plastic handle. An ice pick is inserted in the end of the handle. Markings on the handle - Shipmate STAINLESS ICE TONGS & PICK, LYMAN METAL PRODUCTS NORWALK, CONN.

NOTE:

See the similarity of this configuration to that show in Design Patent 182,334 above.

L -14-1/4", Spread - 11-1/2",

0.20 X 0.88 links, 0.26 X 0.75 flat steel tongs, 0.66 roll steel handle 4" long handle. The tong ends are rolled thru the links. A stop is welded on one tong which prevents the tongs from closing and pinching fingers or the hand. GIFFORD-WOOD CO. HUDSON, N. Y. on one tong. made to patent, 247,861 October 4, 1881

L - 16", Spread - 13"

GIFFORD - WOOD CO. on one tong below the pivot point. 0.25" flat plate steel.

Handle cross section is "U" shaped, link between tongs and handle - 0.33"X0.75"X3.15" steel.

L - 19-1/2", Spread - 15-3/4",

Heavy duty tongs. Single link at each end of the handle to the tong leg. Links made of 0.38" steel rod squeezed at the center. Tong legs are made of 0.82" X 0.25" flat steel as measured just below the pivot. Handle made of solid steel. No markings.

L - , Spread - ,

GIFFORD-WOOD CO. HUDSON, N. Y. on one tong made to patent, 247,861 issued October 4, 1881. Red paint in printing. Points are flattened and there are four notches on the outside curve of each leg to help break ice when struck with the tongs. 0.20 X 0.88 links, 0.26 X 0.75 flat steel tongs, 0.66 roll steel handle 4" long handle and tong ends have rolled ends thru the links.

L - 12", Spread - 12-1/4",

Single link between handle and tong end. Tongs are made of 0.62" X 0.25" thick flat steel. Handle is single straight bar 6" long and 1.50" diameter. No markings.

L - 16-1/4", Spread 15-1/2"

"T" handle, 2 pivot points, 4 points. No markings. The tongs are made of 0.15" flat steel except the lower 5" of tongs are a brass casting with 2 points each. The points are blunt. I question if these are ice tongs or for some other use! Comments.

L - 15-1/4", Spread - 10-1/4"' Tongs made of flat plate steel 0.13" thick and 0.53" wide. "D" shaped handle 5-1/2" wide. Spring between the pivot and the handle.

Thought I had a neat and different tool until I looked closer. The upper portion of the tongs handle is missing. Look at Patent 928,090 above.

L - 9", Spread - 21-1/2',

Single handle 4.5' long and 1.10' diameter. The tongs are made of 0.3" wire/roll stock with two legs on each side.

L - 16", Spread - 13-1/2",

Single handle made from flat stock and rounded to "U" shape in an arch for comfort in handling, single pivot, tongs made of 0.25" flat steel, two chain links between handle and tongs. No markings

L - 15",

H & W hand marked (probably by the owner of the tongs) on both sides of the links between the handle and the upper ends of the tongs. F. J. HINKEY, SANDUSKY, O. on both sides of tongs above the pivot. The tongs are made of 0.29" flat steel. Links on each end of handle are two flat plates between the handle and tongs.

My thanks to a viewer Danielle Fresch who provided corrections and additional info regarding these tongs.

Use this link for more information regarding this maker: http://sanduskyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/01/fred-j-hinkey-blacksmith-and-boiler.html?m=1

L - 16", Spread - 12",

STAATSBURG over 29 on one tong leg just below the pivot. Handle is 6" long and 0.8" diameter. Tongs made of 1.12"X0.25" flat steel at the pivot. Two piece link between each handle end and the tong top.

L - 16-1/4", Spread - 12-3/4",

VIVIAN on one leg below the pivot, link between handle and legs.

L - 22-1/2", Spread - 12-1/4",

This type tongs is referred to as Market Tongs. Tongs are painted light blue and made of flat steel - 0.20" thick and 1.3" wide at the pivot and tapering to the points, "H" "W" or "M" "H" initials stamped in the tong legs, one initial above and the other below the pivot.

L - 19-1/4", Spread - 12-1/5",

259 in raised numbers on one end of the handle. The tongs made of 1" X 1/4" flat steel. Chain links between the handle ends and the top ends of the tongs.

16-1/2", Spread - 11",

Tongs are made of flat steel 0.95"X0.32" at the pivot area. Links between handle ends and the upper end of the tong arms is twisted 1/4" steel rod. No special markings.

L - 22-3/4", Spread - 18-1/*",

Oval handle made of 0.44" round stock. The tong legs are made on 0.34" by 0.82" stock. One side is flat while the other side is rounded. The tong support braces are made of 0.15" by 0.80" flat stock. No special markings.

L - 17-1/4" , Spread - 12-1/4",

J.G.RODENSTEIN & CO. STAATSBURG, N.Y. on both sides of the tongs, "U" shaped handle made from flat stock with loops on the ends, with 4 chain links between handle end and tong end. Tongs made of 1/4" X 1" flat stock at the pivot.

L - 16-1/4", Spread - 9",

BRIDGEPORT SPRING CO, WARRANTED, on one tong. Handle is rolled flat stock and tongs 0.3'" X 0.93 at the pivot. Three links between to handle ends and the tong legs.

L - 15", 15" Spread,

A single 2.5" link between the handle and the top of each tong leg. MFC stamped on each leg above the single pivot. Tongs made of flat stock steel 1" by 1/2" at the pivot. "00" stamped on each leg. The handle is solid steel and 1" diameter at the center.

L - 16-1/4"; Spread - 12-1/8",

Single pivot, tongs flat plate steel 0.75X0.13" as measured at the pivot, sold handle, double flat plate links from the handle to upper ends of the tong legs. A "stop" adapter at the pivot. The stop adapter is not needed since the flats on the handle, at the links interface, prevents the tong points from closing. No markings.

L - 13-1/2", Spread - 12-1/4",

PURG stamped on one side of one leg about half way between the pivot and the tong point. P stamped on one of the four links between the upper end of the tongs and the end of the handle. Tong legs made of flat stock 0.67" wide by 0.32" thick as measured at the pivot.

"P"

Stamped on one of the four links between the upper end of the tongs and the end of the handle.

"PURG"

Stamped on one side of one leg about half way between the pivot and the tong point.

L - 15-1/4", Spread - 11",

Heavy duty tongs. The handle is solid round bar is 6.6" long and 0.70" dia. Hole in the ends for a single link on each end attaching to the tongs. Tongs made of flat stock 0.28" X 1.13" at the pivot. The tongs have a strong dogleg just above the pivot.

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 10-1/2',

Handle made from flat stock and slightly curved and arched for comfort. The handle is attached to the tongs by a single link at each end. Tongs are made of flat stock 0.20" X 0.75" at the pivot.

L - 16-1/2", Spread - 10-1/4",

Compound pivot. Total tool made of 0.88" X 0.25" flat steel. Handle is 4-1/2' wide. No markings.

L - 15-1/5", Spread - 16",

Three (3) leg/tongs, Single handle, tongs made of 0.38" iron rod/wire with a single hinge point for the third leg. No markings.

L - 20", Spread - 18",

No markings. Two points on each tong leg, single link between each handle end and the tong end. Diameter of the handle is 0.53" and tong legs 0.50". The heavy corrosion pitting, indicates the ice tongs may have been under water for numerous years.

L -28", Spread -24",

Hoisting Tongs.

The tongs are beefy and built for heavy loads. Not something one would use to tote a block of ice. The tongs cross section is oval shaped, 0.90" by 0.55". The lifting link is 0.60" diameter. The upper eye would be attached to a hook for hoisting the heavy block of ice. No special markings.

These four tongs thought to be ice tongs have been properly identified by Bob Roger as Rafter Grapples. See the note below from Bob.

"Actually, they are rafter grapples and are used in moving hay around in the mow of the barn. They are used upside down, with the points grabbing opposite sides of a rafter with the chain hanging down. A pulley is attached to the chain (handle), and a rope on the pulley is pulled by a person or horse to lift a bunch of loose hay. The rope has a large set of grapples on the end, called a horse hay fork, which is used to grab the hay. Once lifted, a person can push the suspended hay to where he wants it, and pulls another rope to release the hay from the fork. When done in that area the rafter grapple is moved to another rafter so that the area under that rafter can be filled with hay. I have the grapples and the horse hay forks. The process and tools have been well documented".

L - 17", Spread - 11",

Flat steel stock with ribs on the outside edges of each tong 1.33"X0.25" tongs, 10 links. No markings.

L - 16", Spread - 8",

Flat steel stock 1.2"X0.25" tongs. 11 links. Unknown reason of the protruding feature at the pivot. No markings

L - 16-1/2", Spread - 9",

Flat steel stock 1.4"X0.25" tongs, 8 links, no markings

L - 17-1/2", Spread - 10",

Flat steel stock 1.3"X0.25" tongs, 10 links, No markings

This is a Battery Carrier NOT an ice tool.

H - 8-1/8",

BATTERY CARRIER

The points are rounded, not pointed, and the points only open 1-1/4".

Patent 1,778,572 Issued Oct 14, 1930 to John Taylor

Patent Drawing

Not ice tongs. Believed to be a logging tool.

L - 17",

Not sure of the intended use for this tool. It could be for ice, dragging logs or possibly hanging meat. Looking at the bend in the legs as shown in the bottom picture, I would guess the tongs are for dragging logs. Anyone know of it's intended use?

These tongs probably used for carrying logs or railroad ties.

L - 20"; Spread - 17-34",

PAT PENDENG, MACK WELDING CO. DROP FORGED, DULUTH, MINN forged on the tong legs. GN (probably the owner's initials) stamped on one of the legs. The points are very strong and replaceable. Tongs probably used for carrying logs or railroad ties.

Top of the Document

Two Handle Block Ice Tongs

Patented Two Handle Block Ice Tongs

Patent 22,991 Feb. 15, 1859,

L - 10-1/2", Spread 9-1/2"

Galvanized steel, pick on one leg and short blade on the other. Two handles, two points and one pivot. No markings

Patent 87,491 Issued Mar. 2, 1869

L - 14-3/4", Spread 13-1/5" Large tongs,

L - 13-1/8", Spread - 9" Small tongs,

PAT. MAR. 2, 1869 FERREE & HAYDEN MIDDLETOWN, CT. marked on the cap of the housing at the pivot. Markings on the smaller tongs unreadable. The housing contains a spring that keeps the tongs closed when not in use. Two oval shaped handles. The handles extensions have a small rib along the center and the tong legs have an expanded edge along the inside surface.

Patent 105,908 Issued Aug. 2, 1870

L - 15", Spread - 17-1/2",

Each half of the tongs is made of a single piece of 0.30" diameter steel wire. The patent relates to the design of the pivot assembly. There are no patent or manufacturers markings.

Pre - Patent 105,908 issued August 2, 1870

L - 11-3/4", Spread - 12-3/8",

PAT APD FOR around the pivot point and on both sides of the pivot housing. Main tong construction is 0.20" diameter wire.

Patent 142,916 Issued Sept. 16, 1873

L - 12", Spread - 16",

Pre-Patent example. Two "T" handles 0.75-0.85' taper from outer end to center, hollow cylinder, all steel tongs, tong legs make a slip fit with the upper portion just below the pivot. And the thickness tapers from 0.25" at the junction to 0.18" at the tip. PATENT APL on the upper end of one leg at the junction fitting.

Shows location of patent info and the leg to handle casting interface.

PATENT APL centered on the back side of the junction of the leg and upper portion.

Patent 207,204 Issued Aug. 20, 1878

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 9-3/4",

PAT'D AUG. 20, 1878 just below the pivot on one leg. The date is stamped twice, I assume, because the first stamping does not show the date after AUG.

The ice scale is attached at the pivot and clamped to the extension of one of the links between the pivot and the handle. The scale is unclamped from the extension when weighting an object. The scale is 0-20 lbs. in one pound increments. Tong legs made of flat iron material 0.75" X 0.21".

Patent 222,186 Issued Dec 2, 1879

L - 12-3/4", Spread - 16", PAT JUNE 25, 1878 is stamped on one side of each arm between the pivot and the handle. 0.20" material used for the tongs. The material of the legs is chamfered creating a very thin edge. The handle of has an ice pick on one end and hatchet on the other end.

Patent 287,423 Issued Oct. 30, 1883 and RE10,548 Issued Jan 6, 1885

L - 15-1/2", Spread - 18",

Each tong was made from a single piece of 0.23' rod or wire and the pivot was made by enlacing the two halves. No Markings.

Patent 287,423 Issued Oct. 30, 1883 and RE10,548 Issued Jan 6, 1885

L - 15-3/8", Spread - 16"

Tongs constructed of 0.35" roll steel stock. One continuous piece for each handle/leg. One side twisted over the other at the pivot point.

This item appears to be new stock built to an old patent design.

Patent 329,523 Issued Nov. 3, 1885

L = 15", Spread = 16-1/4",

0.20" flat plate structure.

No markings. Oval type handles. Saw on one leg and sharpened outer edge on the other leg

Patent 329,523 Issued Nov. 3, 1885 - Second Configuration

L - 15", Spread - 16",

Flat plate structure 0.20" X 0.27" measured just below the pivot.

No markings. Oval type handles. Saw on both legs.

Patent No. 446,171, Issued February 10, 1891 to J. Brinkerhoff of Auburn, New York

L - 13"; Spread - 11-5/8",

0.25" flat plat structure and oval handles. The two sets of points are rotated 90 degrees to each other. The point configuration prevents the ice block from swinging when being carried. No markings.

Patent 1,090,039 Issued Mar. 10, 1914

L - 16", Spread - 16",

All metal, two handles, legs riveted to handle segments just below the pivot. Structure is 025" X 0.75" flat steel except for the oval handle which are rounded, oval shaped 4-3/4" wide. Points 90 degrees to legs. Offset of leg/handle attachment acts as stop to prevent hands from being pinched when the tongs are fully opened.

Non Patented Two Handle Block Ice Tongs

L - 15-1/4", Useful Spread - 16"

When closed the tool is an ice pick and hatchet and when opened it can be used as ice tongs. CAST STEEL is marked on the blade.

L - 14-3/4" Useful spread - 16"

CAST STEEL on one side of the blade and BOSTON and PAT PLD FOR plus some other unreadable lettering on the inside of the center bar of the handle. As can see be seen the tip of the pick and blade is broken.

L - 15", Spread - 14-1/5",

All metal, flat plate 0.25", two oval handles back-to-back (not side-by-side), small boss on one arm just above the pivot to prevent the handles from interfering and crossing.

L - 16", spread - 15", The two handles are in plane with the tongs. Hand made from 0.32"X0.50" steel stock and formed to shape. See how each handle is configured.

Comparison of two similar ice tongs. The one on the left is cast and joined by a nut and bolt at the pivot while the one on the right is hand worked flat stock and joined at the pivot with a rivet. Don't know which came first???? Was the hand worked tongs a model for the cast tongs or a blacksmith saw the cast tongs and made the tongs from bar stock!

L - 14-1/2", Spread - 14",

GIFFORD-WOOD CO. HUDSON, N Y, 548-14 1/2 IN, stop on one leg to prevent tongs from opening too far and pinching hands. Two large oval handles 5" wide. Made of 0.25" flat steel structure with varying width being extra wide at pivot. Points at end of tong legs.

L - 14", Spread - 13-1/2",

WM - WOOD & CO on one leg, Two oval handles 4-1/2" wide. Points 90 degrees to end of legs. Leg material is 0.30" thick. Single pivot.

L - 14", Spread - 13",

W. B. McGUIRE CO. INC, HUDSON, NEW YORK on one leg and 542-13 on the other leg. Two oval handles 5" wide. 90% of red paint remains. Points 90 degrees to end of legs.

L - 14-3/4", Spread - 15-1/2",

EZ on the top outer edge of each handle and HE (connected) on the underside of each handle. The tongs have three legs, one on one side and two on the other side, splitting just below the pivot.

L - 17", Spread - 17-1/2",

l-STAATABURG on one leg of the tongs. Tongs made of 0.33" flat stock.

L - 16", Spread - 14",

GIFFORD-WOOD CO stamped on both sides between the pivot and the handle. Made of flat stock steel 0.95"X0.30" just below the pivot. The two handles are cast round stock with larger diameter at the top for carrying comfort.

L - 16-1/2", Spread - 16",

4842 on one side of one of the legs at the upper major bend area. Tongs made of flat steel 1" X 0.30" measured at the pivot.

L - 13-1/4" , Spread -12",

123 on one tong leg near the pivot, large heads on the pivot pin. Heavy stout tongs for its size

L - 14", Spread - 15-1/2",

H A MOORE 2 on one side of one tong

L - 12-1/2", spread - 12-1/2",

CAST STEEL on one leg and CB CRUMAN BRANCHVILLE, CONN. on the other leg. Tongs flat stock 1"X0.34" at the pivot. Wood handles.

L - 14", Spread - 13",

Oval handles 4" across and 3-1/4" above the pivot. No markings.

L - 16-3/4",

90 Degree turn of the tong below the pivot appears to be hand forged, particularly around the pivot.

L - 21", Spread - 25",

WT WOOD & CO. on one tong leg and STEEL on the other leg.

L - 34-1/2", Spread - 33",

Drag tongs used to move large blocks of ice. WT WOOD & CO and STEEL marks on the tong legs.

L - 10", Spread - 11",

Each half made of flat stock steel 0.18" thick, handle formed to round stock. All hand forged. No markings.

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 12",

Made of 0.37" rod steel. No markings.

L - 15", Spread - 15",

Made of flat stock steel 0.63"X0.20" measured just below the pivot. The handles are also made of flat stock and the edges are curled up for carrying comfort.

L - 15-1/4", Spread - 12",

Tongs made of 0.75"X1/4" flat steel measured at the pivot. Handles are oval made from the same flat material shaped to 0.44" diameter. No markings

L - 18-1/4", Spread - 21",

Tongs made of 1"X3/8" flat stock steel as measured at the pivot. Handles made from same stock split and shaped into ovals with 3/8" diameter. No markings.

L - 14-1/2", Spread - 16-1/2",

Made of 0.3" wire and flatten at the pivot area. No markings.

L - 13", Spread - 16",

Tongs made of 0.3" rod, flattened at the pivot area.

No markings.

L - 12-3/4", Spread - 12",

Ridge along center of tongs and one pivot. Two oval handles 3-3/4' wide and made of 0.38" diameter material.

L - 12-1/2", Spread - 13-1/2",

All metal tongs, rib down center of one side of tongs from handle to the points and other side from pivot to point. Tongs are 0.64" wide and .37" thick at the ribs. Two "T" handles 3.5" long. Two points and one pivot.

L -13-1/4", Spread - 11-1/2"

Double action pivot, two points, two "D" handles, 0.2" X 0.5" flat steel construction except the handles are rounded to 0.25" diameter. Will strip the black paint. Appears the handles are made of round stock and the ends are flattened and joined together to form the handles.

L - 23", Spread - 24",

The upper portion of the tongs and the attachment to the handle are castings. The bottom portion made of 1/4"X 3/4" flat stock. The handles are wood. The arrangement at the pivot area allows for full extension of the tong points with minimum movement of the handle.

L - 17-1/2" , Spread - 17-3/4",

Two oval handles 0.31" steel, upper portion of tongs are straight and parallel to the pivot and the legs curved. Tongs made of 0.33" thick and 0.50' wide steel. Points turn 90 degrees to legs. No markings

L - 12-3/4", Spread - 15-3/4",

SAGINAW ICE & COAL CO. stamped on one side of one leg near the pivot. All metal tongs made with 0.11" thick by 0.5" wide flat steel.

L - 14", Spread - 10",

The tongs are made of 0.37" rod steel flattened at the pivot. Two oval handles 4-1/2' wide and made of 0.37' material. One handle is slightly smaller than the other. No markings.

L - 13", Spread - 14-1/2",

SIMCOX stamped on both legs, large oval handles made with round stock, tongs -flat stock, points 90 degrees to legs. Bevel on the pivot hole.

L - 26-1/2", Spread - 26",

Appears to be a home made set of ice tongs, one side is slightly longer than the other, one half of the tong is made of 0.40" rod/wire while the other is 0.45" material. Single pivot made up of each tong half wrapped around a shaft and two haves held together with a nut/bolt/washer arrangement. The two "D" type handles are slightly different. No markings

L - 9-1/2", Spread - 11',

WHIPPLE MFG CO. SPIRIT LAKE, IA U.S.A., WHIPCO BRAND, 65, on both side of the tong legs, 2 "T" type handles. Non- ferrous metal, 0.22" thick at pivot. Traces of red and blue paint.

L - 12", spread - 13-1/2", Two "T" type handles. 4STAATSBURG stamped on one tong just below the pivot and HFORET scratched on both sides of the tongs.

L - 19-1/2", Spread - 21",

No markings. The handles are 2-1/2" outside diameter. Handles and tongs made from 1/2" diameter stock and flattened at the pivot to 0.42" X 1.57".

L - 28", Spread - 21",

Bar stock 0.62"X 0.36" measured at the upper pivot. Handle hand forged to rod shape and joined to the top of the upper tong link.

Purchased as an "ice carrier" but not sure how it was used!

L - 29-1/2" end to end,

THE CITY ICE DELIVERY CO. CLEVELAND OHIO in raised letters on each handle. The handle appears to have been from ice tongs. The leather strap appears to have been a belt because of the holes in one half of the strap. There are two 0.6" nails in the mid area of the strap. The tool may have been used to carry small blocks of ice, however I think it must have been used for something else. There was a small amount of fat or lard type residue in the area around the two nails indicating it may have been used to carry some type meats. Have and suggestions?

Pivot area and view of how the handles were made.

Points were shaped and rotated 90 to the plane of the tong leg.

L - 15", Spread - 7-1/2"

Picture from the 1891 catalog of the McIntosh-Huntington Co. of Cleveland, Ohio.

What is edging-up???

The tongs look similar to "Edging-up Tongs", but I'm, not sure if they are. This may be home-made ice tongs for personal use.

Hand made from 0.88'X0.13' flat stock. The handles are rolled/ folded as shown in the picture to the left. The points are twisted 90 degrees from the plane of the tong legs.

Top of the Document

Ice Cube Tongs

Patent Nos. 1,967,731 Issued July 24, 1934 & 1,980,465 Issued Nov. 13, 1934

L = 5-1/2", Spread =1-1/2", Ice cube tongs. Chrome body with a green ball top. The tubular portion and the prongs are steel. PAT NO. 1,967,731 & 1,980,465 U.S.A. is marked on the plate at the top of the tongs. This set of tongs does not have cap lifter provisions.

The shipping and sales box is marked with the patents and UTILI-TONG, Ice Cube Server DE LUXE. The inside of the box top explains the usefulness of the tongs, materials and how to use them.