What is it?

[Redoverfarm]

This may actually be an age divulging inquiry but does anyone out there know what this tool is.  I know the answer but I was just curious if anyone else has seen one.  It is approximately 30" long with a 1" X 3" plate affixed to the bottom.  It is about 75 years old.

[diyfrank]

Looks like a swede.

[MountainDon]

more like a pole, to me.   


or scrap metal 

[fishing_guy]

Coal furnace rake?

[diyfrank]

I could do a lot With 3 of those, a 100' tape and a calculator.

[Redoverfarm]

Coal furnace rake?

Closest yet. Remember the demensions. 

[Phssthpok]

'Tis for the scrapin' o' the ash from offa the outside o' the oven-box inna wood fired cook stove, it is .

[Squirl]

Looks like something the person called a "switch."  I don't know the official name.  The edges were sharpened and it was used for hand mowing grass. It was swung like a miniature golf club. I had to use it as a punishment.

[Micky]

We just moved into a house built in 1950.  There was something that looked exactly like that in the fireplace?  Up to now, it has been pretty worthless.

[Redoverfarm]

'Tis for the scrapin' o' the ash from offa the outside o' the oven-box inna wood fired cook stove, it is .

You are exactly right.  Mostly used for removing the ashed from under the oven.  The ashes that accumulate on the top can be cleaned by removing the burner plates and surrounds.  Generally there is a small decorative door just below the oven door.  This allows access to sweep out the ashes.  With a wood cookstove the complete area around the oven is open and allows the flames, smoke and ashes to travel around the oven.  I would say it would take some time for it to build up but when it does this is what you use.  Good Job Phssthpok.   You must have either used one or been around when they were used.

In this picture you can see the small access door just below the oven door ( Company logo).

[Phssthpok]

You must have either used one or been around when they were used.

Neither, actually. I remembered a video blog entry from Jackie Clay over at BHM last year. Since I acquired a wood cookstove for my off grid location I figured it would be a good thing to learn about!

[fishing_guy]

Coal furnace rake?

Closest yet. Remember the demensions. 

I cheated...I have a somewhat similar rake for my smoker for cleaning out the firebox.