Posted 14 years ago
syrocokid
(22 items)
When people most people see a corkscrew, they instantly think of wine. Well, that wasn't always the case. In the late 1800's and into the early 1900's beer bottles were sealed with corks. Mind you the crown cap was invented in 1891, but not all breweries switched over to the cap right away.
Josephine M. Spielbauer was granted US Patent #1116509 on Nov. 10, 1914.
The patent is for being a "Cap Remover". And judging by the advertising, I'm assuming that they intended the user to be opening a bottle of Rainier Beer.
But the main attraction is the CORKSCREW. The patent mentions that this area “may be for purposes of convenience formed into any requisite tool or implement.” It could have been made into a corkscrew, “nail file, button hook or the like..” Lucky for us Josephine choose the corkscrew!
Pictured here are two variations. One with a webbed helix corkscrew and the other with a round worm corkscrew. Although I'd like to say I own both, I have to say I own neither. :o(
BUT, I would very much like to! :o)
I've been a Antique Corkscrew collector for several years now and I can honestly say that I look for corkscrews to add to the collection every day! Nothing is more fun than doing what makes you happy, right?
Have you got a corkscrew or two? Maybe the one mentioned above? I'd love to hear from you and be willing to share what I know about your piece. Or even make an offer to buy. :o)
Cheers
Tommy Campnell
206-612-7239
syrocokid@gmail.com
www.syrocokidcorkscrews.com