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1911 J.L. Sommer Pat. Advertising Opener Multi-Tool Van Vleck Repair Ionia Mich.
- An antique figural touring car bottle opener and multi-tool
- Marked "Pat. Nov. 7, 1911"
- An advertising premium for "L.C. Van Vleck / REPAIRING A SPECIALTY / IONIA, MICH."
In fair/good antique condition as shown
Dimensions: 3"W x 1"H
The "square" or square hole found on the body of these vintage bottle openers was designed as a gas valve wrench (gas key). During the early 20th century, early automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles relied on compressed acetylene gas lighting systems (most famously manufactured by Prest-O-Lite) for their headlights. Drivers used the interior square opening on the pocket tool to turn the square stem valves on the gas tanks on and off.
In the context of Ionia County, Michigan, "Van Vleck" primarily refers to a prominent pioneer family that settled the area in the 1838, as well as the local geographic landmarks named after them.
