 A combination jar wrench, tin opener, and corkscrew. The jar wrench is adjusted by moving the leather strap. Marked MASTER EZE OPENER. R.E.Collier 957 Umgeni Road Durban Pat 53 22793. |
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The patent is South African. Applied for 4th May 1953. Application number 1230/53. Granted on 6th September 1955. The applicant was Reginald Edward Collier, and the title "A new & improved bottle and tin opener." ...thanks to Marilyn Callow of the British Library for the patent information. |
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I contacted South Africa collector Herbert Rajak(right in photo) in hopes of finding more information on this invention. |
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Herbert found Mr. Collier alive and well at Collier Tool & Die in Durban. |
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Collier demonstrates the jar wrench. After snugging up the leather strap on the jar top, an easy pull on the handle easily removes the most stubborn top. |
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Collier was awarded a Gold Medal from the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal for his invention. |
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Collier with employee Zulu Buthelezi who has worked for him for 50 years. |
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