The Virtual Corkscrew Museum's Weekly Newspaper

Bull

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Special Report

Editor's Note: Alf's Arm was auctioned on eBay. The eBay pages come and go so because this is such an unusual item, we decided to preserve it here in the pages of The Weekly Screw.

Alf Erickson's Arm

Wirtz, Virginia and Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Alf's prosthetic arm was produced in France by Mayer-Guillot (so marked). It was designed for use after amputation of the lower left arm (at the elbow). The arm has interchangeable hand, fork, hook, and corkscrew.

In order to properly demonstrate it, I had to cut off my left arm at the elbow. The upper arm part was a little short for me but, with a little effort, I was able to operate it. First I removed the hand and inserted the mechanism that holds the worm, the fork, or the hook. They can be inserted in the end or in the side and are secured by a thumbscrew.

Obviously I couldn't turn the worm into the cork. And then I found the worm had a right hand twist. By turning the bottle onto the worm instead of turning the worm into the cork, the cork can be removed.

Having given up part of my left* arm to help Alf in the sale of this unique piece, I feel Alf owes me a superior bottle of wine for further testing of the tool and for me to drown my sorrows.

Here are a few additional pictures:

*Please note that I would not have given up my right arm for Alf!

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Projects

Readers of The Weekly Screw are currently working on two corkscrew cataloging projects.

The Williamson "Flash" souvenir corkscrew project began with the May 23, 2006 issue. The project has a list in PDF format (http://www.bullworks.net/daily/flashlist.pdf) and a pictorial catalog (http://www.bullworks.net/daily/flashpix.pdf).

The "Nifty" project began with the June 25, 2006 issue. For these corkscrews there is only a list (http://www.bullworks.net/daily/niftylist.pdf).

The pages of both projects will be updated from time to time and notice will appear at the bottom of each issue of The Weekly Screw. Readers are encouraged to review the list and submit their additions to Don Bull, Editor.

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