In a world where modern conveniences often overshadow traditional tools, there remains a devoted community of collectors who cherish the intricate beauty and historical significance of vintage, antique, and old corkscrews. These seemingly simple devices, designed to extract corks from bottles, have evolved into a fascinating array of designs, each reflecting the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its time.
From the elegance of 18th-century silver corkscrews to the mechanical marvels of the Victorian era, these collectibles offer a window into the past, capturing moments in history and showcasing the evolution of functional art.
In this blog, we will explore the captivating world of corkscrew collecting. We’ll delve into the history of these fascinating tools, highlight some of the most notable makers and designers, and offer insights into what makes a corkscrew truly collectible.
Our guide to vintage corkscrews follows this advertisement:
Whether collected purely for their visual appeal, or as practical objects, corkscrews are available in a huge range of materials, designs and prices. Corkscrews are one of those fun collectables that can be not simply collected but also used to great effect for their original purpose.
They make great conversation pieces – especially if you collect novelty designs – and, though perhaps less good than modern counterparts, still open a bottle of wine efficiently.
At the end of the 17th century, vintners discovered that wine matured better when it was taken from the cask and sealed in a bottle with a cork.
A device for the cork’s removal thus became necessary and so began the history of the corkscrew. In the three centuries since, a great deal of ingenuity has gone into making the extraction of the cork effortless.
However, no matter what shape or form a corkscrew has taken, its constituent parts have hardly changed. They are the worm, or screw; the shaft, extending upwards from the screw; and the handle.
The earliest surviving corkscrews, dating from the beginning of the 18th century, have a very short worm with a circular or ovoid handle. In many of them, the worm could be neatly folded back into the handle, so that the corkscrew could be conveniently carried in a pocket or travel bag.
By the end of the 18th century, the familiar T-shaped corkscrew had become the standard type.
The age of numerous inventions and devices began in 1795, when the Reverend Samuel Henshall launched his ‘Button Screw’. This was a conventional T-shaped corkscrew with a metal button threaded between the worm and the shaft.
The button pressed on the cork as the worm was driven home, helping the screw to grip firmly into the cork. The cork could now be rotated in the neck of the bottle, greatly easing its extraction.
After Henshall’s invention the floodgates opened and more than 400 different designs of corkscrew were registered or patented in the 19th century.
Thomason’s Screw
One of the most popular types, patented by Edward Thomason in 1802, was known as ‘Thomason’s Screw’.
A metal barrel fitted over the worm and lodged atop the neck of the bottle, providing leverage. With the worm driven into the cork, turning the handle further activated a counter-threaded screw that drew the cork out of the bottle.
The ‘King’s Screw’ was another popular 19th-century device. It was similar to Thomason’s, but it had a smaller handle fixed at right angles to the main handle; this was turned to extract the cork after the worm had been twisted home.
Both Thomason’s Screw and the King’s Screw were usually fitted with a small cleaning brush, almost a standard feature in 19th-century corkscrews.
Some were also equipped with a small ring in the top of the handle by which they could be suspended when not in use.
Another variety of corkscrew, first made in the late 18th century but popular throughout the 1800s and into Edwardian times, was the ladies’ corkscrew, designed for opening perfume bottles.
The worm was generally of silver and was protected by a silver sheath. Ladies’ corkscrews often formed part of a matching set of implements for the dressing case.
(Left) This unusual early 20th century lever corkscrew sold for £5,200 GBP after an estimate of £40 – £60 GBP
(Right) 19th century English nickel plated four-pillar King’s screw corkscrew sold at auction for £170 GBP
Renowned Makers and Manufacturers
Several well-known manufacturers and designers have contributed to the creation of collectible corkscrews. These makers are often associated with high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. Here are some notable names:
Samuel Henshall
Samuel Henshall is credited with patenting the first corkscrew in 1795. His design featured a button at the base of the worm (the spiral metal part), which helped remove the cork more effectively. Henshall’s corkscrews are highly prized by collectors due to their historical significance.
James Heeley & Sons
James Heeley & Sons, a British manufacturer, is known for producing a variety of corkscrews in the 19th century. Their “King’s Screw” design, patented in 1884, is particularly famous and sought after by collectors.
William Lund
William Lund, another British maker, was known for his high-quality corkscrews in the 19th century. His designs often featured intricate mechanisms and elegant materials, making them valuable to collectors.
Frary Cutlery Company
The Frary Cutlery Company, based in the United States, produced a range of corkscrews in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their products are known for their durability and functional design.
Sabatier
Sabatier, a renowned French cutlery manufacturer, also produced corkscrews. Their corkscrews are appreciated for their high-quality materials and craftsmanship, aligning with their reputation in cutlery.
Perille
Perille, a French manufacturer, is famous for its intricate and decorative corkscrews. Their designs often feature elegant and artistic elements, making them highly collectible.
Georg Jensen
Georg Jensen, a Danish designer known for his silverware, produced elegant and stylish corkscrews. Jensen’s pieces are highly valued for their design and quality.
Carl Auböck
Carl Auböck, an Austrian designer, created corkscrews that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His mid-century modern designs are particularly popular among collectors.
Syroco
Syroco, an American company, produced a range of novelty corkscrews in the mid-20th century. Their designs often featured whimsical and humorous elements, making them popular with collectors.
Hermès
Hermès, the luxury French brand, has produced high-end corkscrews as part of their home accessories line. These corkscrews are appreciated for their luxury appeal and exquisite craftsmanship.
Corkscrew Collector’s Notes
From a practical point of view, the most important feature of any corkscrew is the worm. The best worms have a sharp point and edges and are about as long as the average cork.
The handle, whether on a manual or a mechanical model, should give a firm grip; novelty handles, designed to be visually striking, can be awkward to pull on, although many are collected solely for their visual appeal.
A cleaning brush in the handle adds to the value of the item, as does any inscription, decorative engraving or brass trim. If you’ve seen the brush listed as a “shaving brush” they have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about – and have probably never opened a bottle of wine with a corkscrew.
Four Bone (bovine), Wood, Bronze, and Steel Corkscrews, late 19th-early 20th century sold at auction in 2017 for $1,125.00
As they were made in such large numbers throughout the 19th century, even the best mechanical corkscrews are not particularly rare today.
Less popular types, overshadowed by the more famous ones, are worth looking out for, even if they are less efficient.
The engagingly impractical, the gimmicky, or 18th-century models, whose short worms make them difficult to use, can make an interesting collection if you simply want to display them rather than use them.
In the late 19th century there were some particularly complex designs and these are worth looking out for as notable examples of splendid Victorian ingenuity.
Trade corkscrews, such as those given away with medicine bottles, are now very rare, as most people threw them away. However, it is still possible to find corkscrews made by brewers and distillers to advertise their brands.
If you possess old corkscrews and are curious about their value, consulting an expert or appraiser specializing in antique tools and collectibles is advisable. They can provide insights into the item’s worth and guide you on potential buyers or collectors interested in your pieces.
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