Discovered this item, not exactly sure what it’s for
What It’s Called
This vintage utensil is a canning jar gripper (jar lifter), marked “THE GUNNARD CO., MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.” It was designed to grip and lift hot canning jars during home food preservation.
Who Made It
- Manufacturer: The Gunnard Co.
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
- The company name and city are stamped directly on the handle, identifying it as a branded kitchen-canning accessory from an American maker.
When It Appeared
Clues on the tool point to the early-to-mid 20th century, when home canning was widespread and specialized jar-handling tools became common in American kitchens.
- The handle also includes a patent marking: “PAT. 2,055,930” (stamped on the tool), indicating it was produced after that patent was issued.
What It Was Used For
The tool’s job was simple but important: move hot glass jars safely without slipping. Typical uses included:
- Lifting sterilized jars out of boiling water before filling
- Removing filled jars from a canner after processing
- Preventing burns and reducing the risk of dropping and breaking hot glass
How It Works (Design Features)
This gripper uses a spring-style clamp shape to wrap around the jar:
- Curved metal jaws form a near-circle to fit around a jar’s body/shoulder
- Rubber liners (the orange/brown pads) add friction and cushioning so the jar doesn’t slip
- Long handles keep hands farther from steam and boiling water
- The stamped wording “RELINERS—25 CENTS” suggests the rubber gripping pads were replaceable, sold as low-cost “reliners” to refresh grip when the pads wore out
Why It Mattered in Its Time
In the era of heavy home preservation—canning fruits, vegetables, jams, and pickles—this tool helped make the process:
- Safer (less direct contact with heat and steam)
- More efficient (quick jar handling during busy canning sessions)
- More reliable (rubber-lined grip reduced accidents with wet, hot glass)
