Tobacco cutter comes from reader's ancestral farm

John Sikorski
This tobacco cutter's metal is hand forged and could have been made in the late 18th to early 19th century. [Submitted photo]

Q: We enjoy your Saturday column in The Gainesville Sun. About 20 years ago my wife and I went to Finland to see the homeland of her maternal grandparents and to meet her Finnish cousins. One of her cousins gave her this unusual item that came from the ancestral farm. He told us it was a tobacco cutter. Before pipe tobacco came in a can, it was used to chop dried twists of tobacco leaves so that could be put in a pipe to smoke. The dried twist fit in the small wood channel and the attached blade with the handle would chop the tobacco so that it could be put in the pipe to be smoked. We think it dates to the early 1800s or before. It was likely used by my wife’s grandfather and several generations before him.

The photographs include the backside and the blade up. The metal blade, the hook used to hang, and other metal appear to be forged iron. The hook or hanger is a piece of square metal bent into a half circle and driven into the wood. The home and several of the farm buildings where this came from are still in the family. The family connection to the farm goes back to the late 1700s. A cousin who lives on the farm has created a museum of small artifacts found on the farm. We are curious about its value. Thank you. — N.N., internet

A: A farm that has remained in the family since the 1700s is impressive. Within the large category of Smoking Memorabilia, tobacco cutters are of specific interest. They were produced worldwide in massive quantities in numerous types from primitive like yours, to figural. Collectors pay the highest prices for ornate figural cutters. I appreciate the good photographs. There is no doubt the metal is hand forged and could have been made on the family farm or by a local blacksmith. The cutting blade and handle are of a continuous piece of iron. As you suspect it could have been made in the late 18th to early 19th century. Sentimental value outweighs potential dollar value. I think it would sell in the $50 to $100 range.

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Q: I have quite a few vintage fast-food advertising cups and glasses. They are from McDonald’s, Hardee’s and Burger King from the 1980s. Can you give me an idea about their worth and where I can go to sell them? — N.P., internet

A: There is collector interest in fast-food restaurant memorabilia. Generally speaking, most items sell for very affordable prices, making it possible to accumulate a good collection with potential investment opportunity and a lot of fun. You might consider keeping your collection for a few years more before you sell. If you are determined to sell the collection check at Just Kids Nostalgia. The website is Good luck.

— John Sikorski with over 35 years of experience is an Ocala based antiques advisor, consultant, and broker.  Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email