Ancient multitools - photos

A couple of antique multitools. One from around 1588, and one from around AD 250.

First is a 14-piece multitool, from around 1588:

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net..._multitool.jpg

Translation of description from German:

Quote:

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The Fortuna-shaped iron box with sliding lids and a false bottom contains fourteen anchored small tools, three rasps on one side, a pointed winch, a jigsaw, a knife and a detacher, on the other a key, four files, a square bit and a square gimlet. The universal instrument is in its kind a forerunner of today's pocket knife. This instrument was made according to inventory by Balthasar Hacker for Elector Christian I. After 1619 it arrived in the arsenal and is in 1828 in the Mathematical-Physical Salon detectable, from where the piece in 1877 to the Historical Museum (Armory) was delivered.

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More: https://skd-online-collection.skd.mu...s/Index/283563


And next we have a Roman 5-piece multitool from around AD 200-300. Includes a fork, spoon/spatula, pick, spike, and knife.

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...multitool1.jpg

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...multitool2.jpg

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...multitool3.jpg

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...multitool4.jpg

More: Fitzwilliam Museum Collections Explorer - Object GR.1.1991 (Id:70534)

Wow

Ralph

Never would have thought that the concept goes back that far.

That roman one is most interesting, Imagine the time it took craftsman back then to fabricate just one example.

[QUOTE=wizard69;111594

That roman one is most interesting, Imagine the time it took craftsman back then to fabricate just one example.[/QUOTE]

I agree a craftsman made the original. After that it would be slave labor for this repeatable design.

1580 multitool.

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net/1580_multitool.jpg

I'm in love with my Leatherman Wave - I've worn one on my hip daily for 30+ years. I bought the original one from the factory when they first came out (I live in Portland and worked down the street from them).

These are way cool, though! I would love to pull one of its holster on my belt.
:-)

In 1580 folks were wearing armor. The decoration on the tool is reminiscent of armorial decoration. I wonder if this was a tool for infield repair of armor.

Still haven't puzzled out the purpose of the claw and anvil at the ends of the handles.

I wonder if the 1580 tool might be a farrier tool. Hammer, claw for pulling nails, and clipper for cutting nails before peening.

1600s German combination tool.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...l_fullsize.jpg

https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...ation_tool.jpg