Tool - Roy SCHMIDT Collection - Handmade Garden Forks (2)

Historical information

These hand tools are examples of early to mid-20th century garden cultivators, designed for home gardening, small-scale agriculture, or kitchen gardens. Their full-metal construction suggests they were built for durability and could be used in tough soils where wooden-handled tools might break. The minimalist yet practical design would have made them ideal for weeding, soil aeration, or root work in garden beds. Such tools were commonly found in household sheds and were often homemade or locally manufactured by blacksmiths or rural toolmakers.
– Roy SCHMIDT resided with his siblings Mabel and Jack at ‘Parklands’ 85 Lake Avenue Natimuk home of Heinrich Friederick ‘Heiny’ & Minna Christina SUDHOLZ nee LANGE and their children Louis, Sophie, Alma, Lena (Roy's Mother), Florence 'Florrie' and Edward ‘Ted’.

Physical description

The image shows two vintage hand garden forks or cultivators, each constructed entirely from metal, including coiled wire handles. The implements are similar in size and style, but differ in tine configuration:
[1] Handmade Garden Fork Straight Prongs: Has five straight, flatter tines, more like a rake, and is better suited for fine cultivation, weeding, or breaking up soil clods.
[2] Handmade Garden Fork Claw Prongs: Features three thick, curved tines arranged in a spiral and claw-like fashion. These tines are more widely spaced and likely used for loosening tough or compacted soil, or for aerating.

Subjects

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