Today in 1893, US Patent 493896 A was issued, an invention of Ward E. Pierce, for his “Keg or Tool Rack.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:
My invention relates to keg or tool racks and particularly to that class which is adapted to be stored and shipped in knock-down shape, to be readily set up in stores and vending places, and which afford easy and convenient means for holding nail kegs, agricultural implements.
My object is to produce such a rack which may be readily assembled at the place where it is desired to be used, and adapted to hold kegs in a very convenient position so that the goods may be readily displayed therefrom; and also easy and convenient means for holding hoes, forks, brooms, &c.,taking up a minimum amount of space.
