If you found the metal tool in image clearing out an old barn or workshop, your first instinct would be to throw it in the scrap pile. But wait!

Before the invention of modern pull-tabs, pop-tops, and standard rotary can openers, processed meats, sardines, coffee, and traditional canned corned beef were packaged in heavy metal tins featuring a scored metal strip running horizontally around the perimeter of the can.

• The Slot: The flat, wider spade-like tip at the top end of the tool has a small vertical slot running through it.

• The Action: To open the can, you would anchor the small metal tongue protruding from the can’s scored strip into that tiny slot.

• The Roll: Using the tear-drop loop handle shown at the bottom of image  as your grip, you would slowly twist the key around the edge of the can. This coiled the metal strip tightly around the shaft of the key like a ribbon, cleanly removing the strip and splitting the metal can neatly into two pieces.

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