Bergner

George Bergner (1830-1905) of Washington, Missouri manufactured some very interesting lathe apple and peach parers. All Bergner parers operate on the same basic principle, as the hand-crank is turned, a worm gear draws the apple towards the user while a rack and pinion gear rotate the paring head around the apple. Once pared, the worm gear is no longer locked and the shaft/handle assembly can be shoved forward using the palm of the hand, activating a lever to push the apple off the fork or, as in other designs, coring and slicing the fruit.

This parer measures around 11 inches long and is marked BERGNER'S APPLE & PEACH PARER PATENTED MAY 29, 1877. Other versions of Bergners design can be found, some are longer, with a 16 inch main frame and have segmenters.

Visit the video section of our website to see this parer in action and learn more about George Bergner and his unique design.

Bernger used two types of thumbscrews to mount his parers to the table, one is an open oval design, while the more common one also substitutes as a wrench for securing the slicing attachment. Designs with the open oval thumbscrew have a conspicuous "feather-shaped" latch for locking the worm gear.

Short Bergner Apple Parer with Oval Thumbscrew and Feather Latch

Long Bergner Apple Parer & Cutter with Wrench Thumbscrew and Small Latch