Penrose Antiques

Description

We have for sale an interesting WW1 military issue Bully Beef tin opener.

The tin opener is of a typical form consisting of a cast iron body of a bulls head into which a steel blade is fitted extending to a curved tail forming the handle. The design was based on lever type tin openers invented circa 1855-1888, but the bulls head form was initially produced for the US Army during the American Civil War. Yjey were later adopted by the British Army and used to open the cans of bully beef (a corned beef hash) issued to the troops during WW1.

This particular example dates to the WW1 period and carries the British military issue G Crown and R markings to the blade.


The tin opener is approximately 6 inches (15cm) long and is in a good antique condition with the small signs of oxidation one would expect of an example of this age.