If you mean the old, heavy iron tool with jagged/serrated teeth, I can identify it much more precisely if you upload a photo of it. The exact shape matters a lot.
Based only on your description, there are several possibilities:
- Hand corn sheller — Some old agricultural shellers were hinged, plier-like iron tools with teeth inside. The teeth gripped a dried corn cob and helped remove the kernels.
- Harrow/cultivator tooth — If the “teeth” are projections from a larger frame rather than jaws, it could be part of an old harrow. Harrows used iron teeth to break up soil, level freshly plowed ground, and disturb weeds.
- Other gripping/stripping farm tools — Older agricultural equipment often had heavy cast-iron construction and specialized toothed surfaces.
What I need to identify yours
Please send me a clear photo, preferably:
- The entire tool from the side.
- A close-up of the jagged teeth.
- The hinge, handle, or attachment point.
- Any letters, numbers, maker’s name, patent number, or casting marks.
- Something beside it for scale, such as a ruler or your hand.
Once you upload it, I can tell you what it is, what it was used for, how it worked, approximate age, country/region of origin, and whether it has any collector value