Rare Antique Apple Peeler

Rare Antique Apple Peeler FARM HOME Food Since the first orchards were planted in the early 17th century apples have been an important crop in the United States They quickly gained prominence in settlers’ diets and became the most widely-grown American fruit Unfortunately for homemakers paring coring and cutting apples by hand is tedious and inefficient The first apple peeler patent was granted to Moses Coates in 1803 Approximately 250 other patents were filed in the US over the next century The most popular designs were made from interchangeable cast iron parts making them both reparable and affordable for the growing middle class One notable style is the Thompson parer Designed by George R Thompson and manufactured in Rhode Island the parer has a distinctive arc-shaped rack Once the apple is pared it goes into the segmenter at which point the core is pushed down through a hole for easy disposal While most patented peelers work with gears and cranks the Thompson requires you to lift an arm load it and swing it down to peel an apple fast Excellent condition Thompson parers have sold for over $1 200 The style you might most recognize today is the “lightning apple parer ” invented by David Goodell in 1864 in New England It’s a lathe-type peeler initially sold through door-to-door sales Contact: FARM SHOW Followup www appleparermuseum com

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