This is an early manual can opener, designed for cutting open tin cans before the invention of the rotating wheel-style openers. These types of openers were widely used in the late 19th to early 20th century, when canned food became popular. The hooked end was used to puncture the can lid, and the curved blade would be maneuvered around the edge to slice through the metal.This is a vintage cast-iron can opener with a simple yet sturdy design. It features a solid handle with embossed lettering, which reads "GUARD". At the opposite end, there is a curved cutting blade and a hooked section for puncturing and guiding along the lid of a can. The surface of the opener has a dark patina, with signs of rust and wear, indicating significant age and use. Used by railway gangers when camping out.The word “GUARD” is embossed on the handle, possibly indicating the brand or manufacturer.cutting tool, tin opener, can opener, kitchen, utensil, railway ganger, camping, stockman, household item