This screw-style haymow fork is based on James T. Hall’s patented improvement of John F. Pierce’s hay elevator patented in 1866. This model is unusual in that the looped piece of steel seen beneath the device’s hook attachment eye (top center) actually forms a pair of pawls that engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel to keep the screw from turning backwards. Once the hay was in position, a small line attached to the pawls and threaded over the small sheaf beneath the eye was pulled, which lifted the pawls from the ratchet and allowed gravity to unscrew the load of hay.
Robert Rauhauser demonstrates one of his more unusual hay knives. Frederick Gerfen patented this tool in 1868.
When extended, the three barbs on this single-harpoon haymow fork are capable of grabbing a surprisingly large quantity of loose hay. When the barbs are retracted, they help form the fork’s point.
This single-harpoon haymow fork comparison shows two forks with their barbs extended. The fork on the left is made of flat steel, uses an external lever system to control the barb, and the barb also serves duty as the fork’s point when retracted. The fork on the right utilizes a tubular body enclosing both the control mechanism and the barbs when retracted.
The Tinkham fork in the closed position. Believe it or not, the double-tined fork could carry a lot of hay in a single bite.
A fine example of the Gochnauer patented double-harpoon-style fork. In this design, the barbs are externally controlled and also serve as points.
Pull the lever, and the barb on the Gochnauer fork holds the hay fast.
This early double-harpoon style haymow fork was made of cast parts, which were relatively easily broken and difficult or impossible to repair. That it survived to the end of the 19th century is unusual, that it survived intact to the 21st century is remarkable.
This beautifully preserved double-barb, single-harpoon haymow fork has one of the most complicated catch mechanisms Robert Rauhauser has so far uncovered. When retracted, the barbs are fully enclosed in the device’s hollow body.
Patent drawing of Robert’s Gerfen hay knife leaves no doubt as to who the inventor was.
James Hall improved on John Pierce’s design by replacing the sheave and line with a ratchet wheel and pawl control.