Throughout the 20th century a vast number of figural corkscrews have been produced. These quirky corkscrews turn up in all shapes & forms. Here are a selection that were produced in America.
The "Old Snifter" corkscrews depict a cartoon character drawn by Rollin Kirby called Mr Dry, a figure representing prohibition.
The example shown in the pictures to the left & right is John R. Schuchardt from New York invention & has a mechanical action. When the head is turned the corkscrew raises & lowers.
I've enjoyed compiling this corkscrew guide, I hope it can be of assistance to you. If you'd like to get in touch it would be great to hear from you. Peter@corkscrewsonline.com
Antique & Vintage Corkscrew Guide ~ American Figural Corkscrews ~
Here are three Parrot corkscrews, each are 5" high & have a caplifter. In 1929 Manuel Avillar of New York was issued a patent for a bottle seal remover & a Parrot was shown in the patent drawing although it did not show a corkscrew. Look out for different ones, there are a number of variations to be found by the keenest collectors.
Here's an extra large Parrot corkscrew which is a real heavy weight. This taller version is 6 1/4" tall & is harder to find than the smaller variants.
Back to the Old Snifters. This chrome one was manufactured by Demley & surfaces quite frequently. There are many free standing variations to find in a bronze finish, silver plate & chrome.
A red devil corkscrew with caplifter. A sought after corkscrew that always seem to sell very well. Research has found that this was a 1980's design.
A pig corkscrew & caplifter produced by Negbaur in around the 1950's. Another that is quite hard to find.
Just three of very many different variations that can be found of this design.
A corkscrew with caplifter sits within the sheath until required for use.
Here's an interesting combination bar tool & dispensing apparatus.
The design patent was issued to Horace Bridgewater of Stratford, Connecticut, on August 23, 1932.
The man within the coffin dismantles to reveal various bar tools & the hat is the corkscrew.
Another Kirby, this one is a combination bar tool which includes a bottle opener, corkscrew & spoon. A 1932 design patent to Alfred Flauder of Connecticut.
An unusual brass serpent corkscrew with a folding helix
Check out these very cool Daschund dog corkscrews, each marked "Crosby Pup". Rumour has it that these Crosby Pup corkscrews were commissioned by none other than Bing Crosby as gifts for his friends & family. They surface from time to time on the various Internet auction websites. If you have one for sale, I'd be delighted to buy it from you directly.
