Single lever corkscrews come in various forms but the principle of using this type of design remains the same, as follows: After the worm has been inserted fully within the cork, lowering the single arm will extract the cork.
For designs that are two part, a lever & a separate corkscrew like the Holborn lever shown to the left you'll need to hook the lever within the hole of the corkscrew.
A French nickel plated single lever corkscrew patented in 1899, no 291,691 by Jacques Perille. Marked "Le Presto".
Victor Rousseau's French patent corkscrew, no 352,411 of 1905. The inner shaft turns freely to assist with inserting the worm.
C1864 C. Hull Royal Club
Here's a very sought after single lever corkscrew that would grace any corkscrew collection. This marverlous corkscrew was patented by Charles Hull, Birmingham, England in 1864. Hull was awarded a patent for two designs, one with rollers & one with a cam action on the handle (shown).
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 ~ Single Lever Corkscrews ~
English patent no 3,004 awarded to John Burgess & Albert fenton on September 2nd 1874.
Original Lund levers
Have lettering & crests which are normally very well defined. You might find some remains of the copper wash. Unless pitted, the metal should be fairly smooth to touch.
Modern reproductions
Are normally badly cast, rough to feel & have a lacquered gold finish. There is also very poor definition to the lettering & emblems. Don't be fooled by rust - this is part of the con!
WARNING!!!!!! BEWARE MODERN REPRODUCTIONS
It's well worth keeping your eyes peeled for different variations of badges on single levers. Here are some examples you might find.
Here are two single lever corkscrews patented by William Lund & William Hipkins (Lund's foreman) in 1855 & Edwin Wolverson (Tangent Lever) in 1873. Other two part single levers were patented by Henry Goodall in 1885 (Holborn Lever - see above) & 1889.
HUNGRY FOR MORE KNOWLEDGE?
I'd recommend you order of copy of Ferd Peter's wonderful book "Mechanical corkscrews". It's a definitive work that will satisfy the most demanding quest for knowledge.
TOP PRICES ALWAYS PAID FOR OLD CORKSCREWS
Forget trying to luck out on an internet auction site & end up being disappointed.
