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 Pulling the Plug on Antique Corkscrew Collecting
Antique Corkscrews Come in Many Styles with Vintage Allure
by Tammy Springer
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Toasting fork with sheathed picnic corkscrew in the handle. English, c. 1800
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Many a dinner party has celebrated the appearance of a fine, aged wine, but for some collectors, the corkscrew steals the show all on its own. If all you've seen are the basic silver grocery store variety, that might sound like an odd choice, but in actuality, the history of wine, and therefore corkscrews, has left an interesting and often lovely legacy for today's antique hunters.
In the 18th century, a corkscrew became the essential accessory for the gentleman about town. I suppose it just wouldn't do to be caught unprepared on a romantic picnic or night of mead drinking with the boys! These started out as fairly simple devices with a loop for the operator's finger and a twisted wire to draw the cork out. As time went on, some corkscrews went the way of the Swiss Army knife and became a part of a whole arsenal of devices in the form of combination corkscrews and condiment accessories or gun tools and the like. These fine early specimens are much admired for their innovative combinations and many uses.
Another favorite from the 1700s is the French "tire-bouchon a cage
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 Early 18th century French Cage Corkscrews
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", or "cage" corkscrew. In this case, the appeal lies in the beauty of the object rather than it's many purposes. French cage corkscrews were fashioned from intricately pierced steel. As the would-be bottle opener turned the handle, the cork was drawn up into the ornamental cage. These lovely gems can cost thousands of dollars today, especially the more rare pieces made of carved ivory, wood, silver and even gold. Though varieties flourished, it wasn't until the tail end of the 18th century that the first corkscrew patent was put forth in 1795 by a British reverend named Samuel Henshall and one Matthew Boulton. Over the next century, many stronger and more mechanically effective variations came to the aid of wine drinkers great and small.
There are many corkscrew designs to be found, the most common of which has a spiral "worm" that's twisted by one means or another into the cork and used to pull it out. You'll also see some corkscrews with a sharp knife for cutting the foil over the cork. Many of the older pieces also have a bristled brush. Thankfully, this is not a combination wine opener and shaving tool, but a brush that was once used to sweep off any dust and mold that might have formed over the cork. If that sounds unappetizing, rest assured that modern preservatives have pretty much put an end to such fuzzy growths. Each of the various "worm" designs uses either leverage or torque to pry the stubborn cork forth from its cozy layer. Two other corkscrew designs skip the "worm" entirely: one relies on the grip of two prongs to remove the cork, while the "Swiss Corky" pumps air into the bottle to push the cork out. If this sounds like overkill, you might find it interesting to learn that it takes a pull with the equivalent of picking up about 100 pounds to remove a compressed cork from a wine bottle.
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Bronze 'A1' Heeley's Double Lever Circa 1888
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Such a unique antique has attracted a loyal following of collectors who often travel to the ends of the earth in search of a great find. It's almost impossible to collect all of the corkscrews out there, but it can be a bit easier if you choose to collect in just one area, such as promotional, pocket or novelty corkscrews. You can also choose them by mechanical design, such as direct pull, leverage, torque or assisted pull. One thing's for sure, no matter which one you choose, you'll always find a new surprise in store just around the corner.
Antique corkscrews from the 1800s generally fetch from about $175 all the way on up to $1,400 or more for rare types, and you can add still more for 18th century pieces. There are even a few antique corkscrews that sell for tens of thousands of dollars! Fortunately, you can also find vintage corkscrews for as little as $5. It's a category that has plenty to offer no matter what your price range. A fine collection is likely to make you the life of the party, whether it's a gathering of friends or a quiet celebration for two. After all, who else has the wherewithal to bring their own opener? But whatever you do, don't forget the glasses!
Corkscrews and Wine Gift Ideas
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