If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page (go to the "search" or "find" function under "edit" in your browser) or elsewhere on this website, email me at: ronmaclean@home.com or use the form at the bottom of this page. I will respond to you and the question and answer will be posted on this page. Please note: I do not offer appraisals on this page.

Amy Anderson, ala3@gateway.net - My father who is 70 was given an old Beer Bottle Corkscrew many years ago, marked "28 Cadillac Sq." BOTTLE BEER 5c". We are trying to find out how old it might be? RON:Your advertising corkscrew was manufactured by the Clough Manufacturing Co. in Alton, New Hampshire. An October 16, 1900 U.S. Patent for a Corkscrew Manufacturing Machine to manufacture various types of twisted wire corkscrews was granted to William Rockwell Clough (1844-1920) on October 16, 1900. Advertising corkscrews such as yours were manufactured in considerable numbers early in the 20th century. The company continued in operations until the mid 1930's when the it was closed down by his son. I can see what appears to be a company name in small print which may possibly be the printing firm that applied the advertising. You did not mention if the city was marked on the case but I have a 1898 patent steel corkscrew advertising a company at 26 Cadillac Square, Detroit, Michigan. (and from Don Bull: I don't recall every buying a glass of beer for 5 cents. So...I don't think I am as old as the corkscrew. I suspect beer could well have sold for a nickel a glass during the thirties but I have no evidence of that. If I had to guess, I would say pre-prohibition (before 1920). How about this?: http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/question/5ctbeer.jpg ).

Cherie Bennet. Colorado, goodyshop@msn.com - I have a sterling silver bacchus cork screw - can anyone tell me anything about it? RON: As you did not send a description or a picture of your Bacchus corkscrew it is difficult to say anything provide you information. Perhaps it may be the relatively common silver plated double lever Italian corkscrew marked BACCHUS on the bottom of the grape encrusted barrel. Examples often appear for auction on eBay.

Andrea, Ivee121@aol.com - Please help- how can I get a cork out of a bottle without a corkscrew? and Kallen from Oregon, mhkjallen@aol.com -I am looking for a device that will extract a cork after it has been pushed into the bottle? I don't like cork in my wine! RON: In your search to find a device to extract a cork from within a bottle, may I suggest you peruse the following web sites that should be able to help. http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/virtual/csonline.htm, http://www.corkscrewstore.com/ or http://www.finelycorked.com/catalog.htm . I don't like cork in my wine either!

Yudie, New York, udesta@worldnet.att.net . Where can I buy a co2 powered corkscrew? RON: I am not aware of any CO2 powered cork removers currently on the market. A gas powered (probaly air/nitrogen) is available visit http://www.corkpops.com/ .

Andy Lound, Birmingham, England, hn81@dial.pipex.com: I am researching the life and works of William Edward Hipkins (1857-1912) who was the son in the G.F. Hipkins & Son company. This company made corkscrews. My interest is to get some general background information about G.F. Hipkins & Son as a company. I will be staging a small exhibition at the Soho House Museum Birmingham, England which will feature details about William and his life and it would be neat to include details of the work of his family business. RON: You have asked a tough question - a quick search of my library turned up only three publications that may be of some interest but I am certain you must already have the information. 1 TOOLS FOR THE TRADES AND CRAFTS by Kenneth Roberts, Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. ISBN 0-913602-18-3 first published in 19766. It is an 18th century Pattern Book Timmins & Sons, Birmingham. In a table of organizational charts for Birmingham Toy Makers 1767-1889. G.F. Hipkins 1865 and G.F. Hipkins & Sons 1876 are present linked to other merger dates. Chart title indicates that information comes from Birmingham Directory listings. 2 Watney, Bernard M. and Homer D. Babbidge. Corkscrews for Collectors ISBN 0 85667 113 4. London, England: Philip Wilson Publishers for Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1981. Information present on both George & William Hipkins. 3 Wallis, Fletcher. British Corkscrew Patents from 1795 ISBN 1 898825 05 X Brighton, East Sussex, England: Vernier Press, 1997. Again information is present on both George & William Hipkins. Unfortunately I am on the wrong side of the world to have relevant information available.

Yves Daigle, PromoNyme, info@promonyme.com: Looking for the Pulltaps corkscrew distibutors in Canada or the Manufacturers? RON: I believe Karel Janousek (Oli8son@aol.com) of Octagon Marketing Inc. Vancouver, B.C. may be able to help you. Octagon Marketing may be a distributor or perhaps may know the Canadian Importer. One example I have is marked Raimon Casellas, 38 08205 Sabadell (Barcelona) SPAIN Fax (34 3) 711 25 59.

Ian Hunter, Australia: Can you shed any light on this corkscrew:pairThe knife comes apart into 5 pieces and is marked "practicum patente DRUA"RON: I have never seen the model of the knife with the dual back spring arrangement and with the particular helix shaft attachment feature. The marking DRUA may actually be DRGM indicating it is a German Registration. I wonder why if was made to break down into 5 pieces. See picture of this corkscrew.

James Michael Marr, Virginia, oneartist@erols.com: I am interested in developing an artistic series of bronze corkscrews. Where do I find the manufacturer for the spirals; preferably stainless steel. Your comments would be appreciated. RON: As far as I am aware, with the demise of ETAMCO, Newark, N.J. in 1982, which included the C.T. Williamson Wire Novelty Co., there are presently no manufacturers of helixes operating in North America. Corkmaster: Donald A. Bull found one site in France that appear to manufacture a wide range of corkscrew worms http://www.morel-bellein.com. Perhaps by contacting them you may be able to find a suitable helix for your proposed artistic bronze corkscrews.

Sean, London , England: There seem to be a variety of different markings that appear on German Legs & pocket corkscrews, e.g. German Registered , Gesetlich Geschutzt etc. - are any of these corkscrews, by virtue of their markings, more collectible than others? RON: Short answer - If you have a choice between two virtually identical corkscrews normally the one that is marked should be chosen. Markings can help in researching an item especially if it was patented or had the design registered. Germany Registered indicates the design was possibly registered in Germany (DRGM) or in England and Gesetlich Geschutzt (protected by law) does not guarantee that a patent was granted. Long answer - The explanation of corkscrew markings is an endless topic as marking are so diverse. Markings may refer to the patent, patentee, design registration, manufacturer, material of manufacture and district or country of manufacture. It is not uncommon to find patent markings that are in error. To make it more interesting they are sometimes written in the language of the manufacturing country especially if not intended for export to an English speaking nation.

Bruce Knill, New York, knill@gisco.net: I'm trying to find a source to replace a Phillips Electronic Industries electric corkscrew which was given to us a few years ago. RON: I am not aware of any source of the Philips electric corkscrew. It was a 1987 U.S. Design Patent it has not been for sale for many years at least in this part of Canada. However if you are patient enough to browse eBay Auction web site it has been offered a few times in the past 2 years: http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/search.html. The estimated cost, according to The Ultimate Corkscrew Book by Don Bull, is between $50-$70 - considerably higher than the original selling price. The Philips electric corkscrew is a very collectible item and is not often seen for sale. Here's a picture of the corkscrew: http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/france/electric.jpg.

Sophie Clarke, kelmscott.school@virgin.net Could you email me any information you have on Double Levers as I researching this for a qualification in design. Specifically any information on manufacture and the ideas behind the design. RON: Common die cast double lever rack & pinion corkscrews are the norm today as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use compared to earlier single lever examples. A great number of reference books have been published on corkscrews. MECHANICAL CORKSCREWS, THEIR EVOLUTION, ACTIONS AND PATENTS by Ferd Peters http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/fpeters/ delves into the mechanics of single & double lever design may be of interest in your research. If you want to carry out Patent searches the following web site may be of some interest: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/sci/chem/patent/srs135_internet.html. Obviously the cost manufacture as well as the expected acceptability to the marketplace (ease of use, cost to purchase, competition etc.) were/are of concerns for both the patentees and the manufacturers. Trivia - the first double lever rack & pinion corkscrew was patented in the United States by Dominick Rosati on April 1, 1930 and a few months later in Canada on November 25, 1930.

Ian G. Jeffrey, Scotland When was the first corkscrew invented? RON: It is unknown when and who made the first corkscrew. They have been in use as early as the 17th century probably derived from "Gun Worms" or "Gun Wipers" that were used to clean gun barrels. From corkscrew patent research carried out by corkscrew collectors around the world and their subsequent publications it is known the first patent for a corkscrew was issued in England in 1795 France in 1828 United States in 1860 Germany in 1877 Canada in 1882. See also: A Fairy Tale.

Susie: I have a old wooden handle corkscrew. It has the word Stulz Bros on it also Kansas City Mo and the statement:"Drink Mockingbird Whiskey the best money ever bought." How can I find out how much this is worth today? RON: We do not offer corkscrew appraisals but I can make a few comments - On eBay for example, ordinary wood handled corkscrews (Williamson & Walker Patents for example) with Distillery advertising are usually not sought after as much as those from American Breweries. If you are lucky enough to have two individuals bidding who are collecting things marked Mockingbird or even the name Stulz you may be happier. However, if your old wood handled corkscrew is a rare patent or a interesting variant it may make you very happy. I suggest you search eBay for a similar example to possibly find out its value: http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/search.html

Mel Rodman MA USA melsor@mediaone.net. Two questions: A group of wooden-handled T-pulls with markings on the shaft consisting of numerals, "Watts Sheffield", and arrows are sometimes referred to as "War Office" corkscrews. Why? I've recently acquired a strange (to me) roundlet. The worm is attached to the non-threaded half with a universal-joint type of coupling which permits 360 degrees of rotation. It is marked Williamson Co., Newark, NJ and PAT. SEP 1900. How unusual is this? It is "bass ackwards" from the roundlets I'm familiar with. RON: The wood handled corkscrews you are referring to marked Watts Sheffield were made possibly for the British Military. Often the year they were made (1943 for example) as well as the English Broad Arrow mark normally on items made for the British military are present. They are usually very well manufactured corkscrews made especially for the military with the appropriate marking. They are not too common and not often found in North America. They usually look much older than the dates indicate. The 1900 Patent Williamson nickel plated brass roundlet is is fairly common along with the earlier 1897 patent. As well presented in O'Leary p96 & p102 & p112 they were made in different shapes (bottles, bullets for example) and the patent dates are sometimes not always correctly marked.

Steve Rasch NYC aracoon@hotmail.com What can you tell me about the " Rasch Patent" corkscrew? (I guess it's not invented by one of my relatives) RON: If your ancestors are German perhaps there is a connection. There were 4 German gentleman named Rasch in the 19th century who were involved in corkscrews. I am sure you are referring to the most well known patent DRP No. 20803 granted on March 14, 1882 to Valentin Rasch, Zella St. Blasii, Thudding. His sons August, Hugo and Eduard Rasch were also corkscrew patentees and manufacturers ( F. Peters - German Corkscrew Patents). The 1882 Patent was a mechanical masterpiece employing a D handle which operated a cam action to extract the cork. Unfortunately I have not found one (yet) in my area. To research your family tree it may be worth checking - http://www.inlink.com/~nomi/wftlist/volume8.html . NOTE: Steve and Ron are members of the SMLCC.

Click here to see Dwight Dolliver's Question. RON: What an unusual find! In response to your questions - Where did it come from? - Obviously it is an English 19th century Thomason action corkscrew. It is strange it does not have a solder stain or mark on the barrel as almost every closed barrel Thomason had a badge at some point. The hand carved handle does look like a fairly sympathetic replacement perhaps a little too heavy/chunky albeit a nice one. What is it worth? - Who knows as it does have a replaced helix (unsympathetic however) and handle. As a souvenir of the trip I guess I would just keep it as a wonderful keepsake with a terrific story. More from Dwight: Thanks so much for your time. One never knows where an old corkscrew is hiding. A woman at the "TINY" antique shop at the small train station had a whole box full of corkscrews...most were simple bows or T's, but this one was in the bottom, and she wanted ~$115 USD for it. I informed her that it was broken and not worth that much, so we struck a deal at ~$50 USD. Now if only the screw could talk!!! I am currently traveling to Europe every 1-2 weeks and so get to prowl for another "find". I have been meeting and hunting with Trevor Holdsworth in Paris on the last few trips.....lots of fun.

John Blumson from Australia jblumson@dehaa.sa.gov.au I understand the Columbus type corkscrew were produced from the 1890's to the 1930's. I have managed to locate three for sale marked DRGM, Germany and the third unmarked. All have small wooden handles. Is there any advice on which to purchase or alternatives to look for. My collection is in its infancy. RON: As the German Columbus type corkscrews you are referring to have wood handles I assume they are the examples with a split frame with ring. If so, the design was first given a full DRP Patent on March 3, 1893. Other similar design were given registrations (DRGM) until just before W.W.II. In purchasing a corkscrew it is always best to find one with a patent or registration mark. They normally are more sought after by collectors that unmarked examples.

Cedric Franz from South Africa cedric.franz@talk21.com I have just purchased an old Clough type corkscrew. About 4 and a half inches in size. The odd thing is that although the entire corkscrew is made out of a single piece of wire, the screw is archemedes. The screw also contains the following markings: "ONY DUSSIEUX.10" and "D.23.014". Does anybody know anything about this corkscrew? Is it French since the name seems to be French? RON: I am a little confused regarding your find. Clough corkscrews all have a wire helix never with an archimedean worm. Perhaps your example is made from light rod with a forged archimedean helix. The French did produce corkscrews made this way. The advertising certainly appears to be French or perhaps Flemish from Belgium. I am sorry I could not be of any more help without seeing the corkscrew.

Robert Douds from Atlanta, Ga. USA ahscomputer@msn.com I have always used the generic term Churchkey as anything that would open a bottle of beer. Any idea on origin of the word? RON: I too used the term which I learned from my dad. I had no idea where the expression originated. I had to contact a real expert Don Bull for the answer - Don Bull wrote to say From my "Just for Openers" issue Number 4, October 1979: In the "Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins" William and Mary Morris explain the term "Church Key" as follows: "When I passed on through my newspaper column a question from a Maryland reader about why ‘the tool that punches a triangular hole in a beer can is called a church key,’ I received lots of explanations. Included was one amusing script - virtually a one-act play - purporting to prove that the name was coined by a pair of hung-ver acolytes. But then I had an explanation from - where else? - Milwaukee, the beer capital of the world. It seems so authentic that all other theories may now be put aside. For one thing, Mr. J. R. Oberhofer, an old-time brewery worker, pointed out that the expression church key is much older than the device that leaves a triangular hole in beer cans. Indeed, it goes back to early days of the brewing business, when beer was first dispensed in bottles. ‘The expression church key is old in the brewing business,’ he wrote. ‘I worked in a brewery for about 35 years and everybody carried a bottle opener or church key, perhaps so called because it looked like the top end of the kind of heavy ornate key used to unlock church doors. I am enclosing an old relic that is about 50 years old. It’s made of cast iron and from its weight and appearance, you can see its resemblance to a church door key. With the coming of cans in the brewing business, the bottle opener gave way to the can opener that makes the triangular marks - but the name church key was simply transferred to this new device." Mr Oberhofer did send the cast iron bottle opener, and the evidence seems to me entirely persuasive. Thanks to him for settling a question that has puzzled me for many a year." It sounds like a terrific answer to me!

Don Bull: What's the latest on your dogs? RON: Pinot, born on March 8, 1982, celebrated her 18th birthday yesterday. She walked down the steps to the backyard by herself with her brother Pommard (8) & sister Delaware (2). The temperature was a balmy 21ºC - rather nice compared to the usual 1ºC we have this time of year. Unfortunately tomorrow it is to plummet back down to the norm! Here are pictures of my dogs: Ron MacLean's dogs.

Brenda: I'm doing research for a marketing course; has anyone invented an electric corkscrew yet? RON: Yes several electric corkscrews both battery & 110/220v have been patented and manufactured. The house current type were patented in the U.S. (1971) by Philips (Norelco in the U.S.) and battery powered examples (U.S. 1990) from an Asian inventor. From research on Canadian corkscrew patents I discovered that an electric motor driven corkscrew was patented by a Lucerne, Quebec inventor in 1971. If you want to carry out Patent searches the following web site may be of some interest: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/sci/chem/patent/srs135_internet.html .

Pat Betzhold maniftoufs@aol.com I'm looking for information on the Will and Finck company and their corkscrews. Any help? RON: As you know Will & Fink (Frederick Will & Julius Finck) were a prolific manufacturer, importer and merchandiser of cutlery, hardware as well as gambling items in the San Francisco area in the late 19th century. The best reference book on Will & Finck is KNIFEMAKERS OF OLD SAN FRANCISCO by Bernard R. Levine. ISBN 0-930478-01-0 Publisher & Distributed by Badger Books, Post Office Box 40336, San Francisco, California 94140. This is an excellent book which details the history of corkscrew manufacturers Michael Price & Jacob Herman Schintz who made corkscrews under contract to Will & Finck. In many cases Will & Finck obtained many of their corkscrews from Humason & Beckley, New York and fitted their own Ivory or bone handles. See one Will & Finck corkscrew at http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/bidwell/bidwell.htm.

Fiona Clewlow : I have an unusual folding bow. Where the helix is usually hinged at the base of the bow, the sides of the bow join and continue for approx. 1 1/2" with the wire helix hinged approx. half way down. Is this a scarce variant or have I just been looking in the wrong reference books? RON: It is difficult from your description to understand what the bow looks like or how it is manufactured. If you could email an image perhaps I may be able to help in the identification. Perhaps you have found a new type of bow or a unknown variant!

Linda Korsen lindahap@aol.com I collect Dr. Syntax items. Is there a Dr. Syntax corkscrew? RON: I am not aware of a Dr. Syntax corkscrew. I had to look on eBay to find out about Dr Syntax items!

Jennie Alvarez in Ohio jla@cprslaw.com Where can I find a Laguiole? RON: I assume you mean a Laguiole corkscrew knife. Early examples surface on eBay auction site from time to time. http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/search.html .New models are available from many retailers. May I suggest perusing http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/virtual/csonline.htm as many of the sites market Laguiole models.

Tony Dix in Colorado Tonydix10@hotmail.com On a couple of corkscrews I have, the worm is double the length of anything else I have seen. One is at least 3 inches long with wood handle and sprung shank. Purchased in Amsterdam last year. RON: I agree a 3" long worm not including the shank is quite long. As even the longest Bordeaux corks are generally no longer than 2 1/4". I checked a few of my pieces and 2 1/2" is quite common. I do have two Hercules type spring action examples with long worms one 3" and the longest 3 1/4".

sam9ok@aol.com Where can I look for information on the Deuse brothers? Who knows whether All Thomason types were designed and produced for suspension. One I have is marked NE PLUS ULTA below RCA. It has no suspension ring. RON: I have no information on the Deuse Brothers. Yes, usually Thomason corkscrews were fitted with a split ring for hanging. Keep your eyes open at antique shows and flea markets as rings sometimes surface.

Patrick Carr, New York, USA (pmc1@cornell.edu) - I have a what you would call new--it's circa WWII--waiter's corkscrew made by J.A. Henckels logo on the knife. It's what I have heard referred to as a "champagne" corkscrew it has a second blade that's curved. Anyway, my problem is that it has some degree of sentimental value I'm sure it's not worth much and I broke the worm. I was wondering if any of you guys knew where to get either that corkscrew or its replacement worm. Henckels appears to not make their waiter's model anymore--just a wing version. RON: A replacement worm is virtually impossible to find and the actual replacement requires someone skilled in knife repair. May I suggest you peruse eBay auction site as J.A. Henckels examples sometimes surface: http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/search.html .

Hugh Slater hugh@hslater.freeserve.co.uk - Are there any current patents still applicable to roundlet designs? I am interested in manufacturing a number of them. RON: A tough question - May I suggest you search the following web site which is linked to most significant world patent offices regarding corkscrew roundlets: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/sci/chem/patent/srs135_internet.html

Michael Lee of Ohio oldguns@compuserve.com - I am researching helical manufacturing devices. I would like to find other views of the Thomas Truelove corkscrew-making device that is pictured in "Corkscrews and Bottle Openers" by Evan Perry, Shire Publishers. Can anyone help? RON: You have bought up subject dear to my heart. I saw the Thomas Trulove wire helix manufacturing machine in the fall of 1990 when it was on loan from the Sheffield Industrial Museum to the Wohnmuseum Barengasse in Zurich, Switzerland. It was positioned in a scene depicting what Truelove's workshop might have looked like. The museum had a wonderful corkscrew display as part of the International Correspondence of Corkscrew Addicts AGM activities. It was a very small device looking somewhat crudely built as evidenced by the photograph in Perry. Wire helix worms were made by by similar methods in both England and the United States by corkscrew manufacturers using rod formers or mandrels. In Germany early wire, web helix and archimedean worms were made using spring swages and power hammer swages were later used to manufacture wire helixes. Mike: I have been trudging along with my own crude helix bending device consisting of a grooved mandrel and a torch to do my forging. What has complicated my project is that I am bending a double helix. (eg: two prongs simultaneously), ergo my mandrel has two grooves. I know there had to be a simpler way because of the number of double helix "guns worms" still around. I have one photo of the Truelove machine, but I cannot figure out how it works. That is why I was looking for more info or views of the contraption,

Karl Janousek in Canada octagon@sprint.ca Looking for literature devoted to champagne taps.nippers and knives.Also when was the last champagne tap made? Can anybody help? RON: I am not aware of any publication devoted to champagne taps etc. It would be wonderful if a young, enterprising collector, such as yourself, would undertake the required research and compile a book on the topic. Do we have a volunteer? Karl: I am flattered you call me a young collector.I also know my collection is"young" not myself. If you guide me to some research I will look into it.At present I am just trying to find out what is out there. I am also assembling like everybody else any info on taps I can find.Unfortunately there is not much available here.You can maybe find some info on the US taps but you have to go to Europe to search for the French,Italian and British ones. RON: To search U.S., European and other countries Patents peruse http://www.lib.lsu.edu/sci/chem/patent/srs135_internet.html

Kallen from Oregon mhkjallen@aol.com I am looking for a device that will extract a cork after it has been pushed into the bottle? I don't like cork in my wine! RON: In your search to find a device to extract a cork from within a bottle, may I suggest you peruse the following web sites that should be able to help. http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/virtual/csonline.htm, http://www.corkscrewstore.com/ or http://www.finelycorked.com/catalog.htm . I don't like cork in my wine either!

Dave Riser from Colorado davidriser@aol.com I have a "le grape" champion type wine bottle opener similar to the one made by Rogar Intl. The screw broke and I am looking for a replacement. The ones made by Rogar do not fit this product. The people at Rogar have received similar request re: le grape. RON: May I suggest you carry out an internet search for the manufacturer or a source of replacement parts. If that fails you can always start again and consider scrapping the Le Grape and purchase a serviceable corkscrew.

smc: I am doing a research on why they put a cork in the wine bottle? Can any tell? RON: To carry out research on why wine is corked I suggest you visit your local library. Virtually every library will have references to publications regarding this well documented subject.

Michelle from Saint Lucia michelleb75@hotmail.com I am urgently trying to find a pocket corkscrew for a good friend of mine. I want a simple pocket corkscrew where the worm fits into the sheath (ideally in silver or chrome). Can anyone tell me where to buy one, so I can get it air-freighted to me ASAP? RON: To possibly resolve your urgent difficulty, may I suggest contacting the following two web sites which should be able to help: http://www.corkscrewstore.com/ and http://www.finelycorked.com/catalog.htm.

Michael San Antonio, Maine, USA, misananton@aol.com. I have a leverpull corkscrew that has bound up. Does anyone know where I could get it repaired. RON: I assume you are referring to a mechanical Lever Screwpull? If so, just go to a retailer of the corkscrew and ask for a replacement part or where can you obtain a part or get it repaired

H Tovey, England, htovey@hotmail.com. I am doing a project reviewing the design of the double arm cork screw. I was wondering if you new of any websites on cork screw market research? RON: Sorry, I am not aware of any websites on corkscrew market research. Re double arm corkscrew- Trivia - I do know the first double lever rack & pinion corkscrew was patented in the United States by Dominick Rosati on April 1, 1930 and a few months later in Canada on November 25, 1930.

John, PA, USA, a175r@netreach.net. I found a wooden handle corkscrew on the handle and the metal crown is the name Schlitz, which was a beer company long ago here in philly. Did beer at one time have corks? RON: Yes, beer bottles were stoppered with a cork until the crimped steel crown cork cap was invented by William Painter, Baltimore, Maryland in 1892. There was no other cheap method to stopper bottle. By the early 20th century the crown cork cap was in use over the world. 110 year ago everything in a bottle had a cork - beer, wine, hard liquor, all alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, liquid food items such as olive oil, vinegar and even ketchup bottles used a cork. For a book on Beer & Soda openers that include many corkscrews may I suggest a recently published book http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/books/jfobook.htm

Don & Mary, California, U S A, doncond@aol.com. We are trying to locate a wine bottle opener commonly referred to as "an estate opener." We need one for a friend and would like to locate one in the southern CA area -Thanks RON: I assume you may be referring to a bar corkscrew that clamps on a table top or counter called the ESTATE. It is currently being manufactured by Rogar International, 1207 North Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230. They should be able to give you the name of a retailer/supplier from your area.

Steve Foster, Worcester, England, steve@steruth.fsnet.co.uk. I have a victorian corkscrew made by robert jones & amp; son, how much is it worth? RON: Robert Jones (& Son) was a very prolific English manufacturer of corkscrews in the 19th century. They manufactured virtually everything from simple tee handled corkscrews to mechanical brass examples. Value depends of course on what model you have, condition and rarity. May I suggest perusing past Christies Corkscrew Auction catalogues or eBay auction site http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/search.html to try to determine a value for your particular model. Steve: Thanks for the reply to my recent query. The corkscrew concerned is the same as the one that fetched £18400 at Christies a couple of years ago, though not in quite as good condition ! It will be on sale at Christies this May, so I will let you know how it goes.

Richard Smith, Merlin, OR 97532, fraudawg@cpros.com. I have an estate wine opener and I am looking for a way to get it fixed. The plastic part that hold the corkscrew steady has cracked and now it will not operate. RON: Unfortunately some examples of the modern reproduction of the Champion bar corkscrew called the ESTATE have a weak point. In my opinion broken wire helix worm assemblies are quite common in this model but I should think the manufacturer can supply a replacement part. I would check with the place where you purchased it an order a new part. If not possible, I believe the Estate is manufactured by Rogar International, 1207 North Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230

Paul, Netherlands, mark.allin@nl.origin-it.com. Who and where was the corkscrew invented and where can I find info as to the history of the corkscrew. RON: May I suggest you peruse the web site of Ferd Peters which contains information related to your query. http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/fpeters/ Several other books that deal with the history of corkscrews are in the answer below.

Vanessa, Canada,Yoshi30@Hotmail.com. I am doing a report on corkscrews in science and Iwould like to know how many screws and if there is any wheel and axle stuff like that RON: Your request would take several hours to compile. I will be lazy, to start take a look at the web site of Don Bull which contains more information than most people would want to know about corkscrews - http://www.bullworks.net/virtual.htm. Books - there are quite a number of books available on corkscrew collecting. Two recent publications are The Ultimate Corkscrew Book -http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/books/books.htm British Corkscrew Patents from 1795 - http://www3.mistral.co.uk/pipes/corkscrew.html. Here is a partial list of corkscrew related books that will show you the mechanical diversity and complexity of corkscrews - Bernston, Buster and Per Ekman.Scandinavian Corkscrews. Täby, Sweden: Tryckeriförlaget, 1994. Bull, Donald A. The Ultimate Corkscrew Book. Atlgen, Pennsylvania, USA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1999. MacLean, Ron. A Guide to Canadian Corkscrew Patents. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: MacLean, 1985. O'Leary, Fred. Corkscrews: 1000 Patented Ways to Open a Bottle. Atlgen, Pennsylvania, USA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1996. Olive, Guy. Tire Bouchons Français Brevets 1828-1974. France: Olive, 1995. Perry, Evan. Corkscrews and Bottle Openers. Buckinghamshire, England: Shire Publications, Ltd., 1980. Peters, Ferd. German Corkscrew Patents and Registrations. Holland: Peters, 1997. Peters, Ferd. MECHANICAL CORKSCREWS, THEIR EVOLUTION, ACTIONS AND PATENTS http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/fpeters/ Pumpenmeier, Klaus. Deutscher Gebrauchmusterschutz für Korkenzieher 1891-1945. Bad Salzuflen, Germany: Pumpenmeier, 1997. Wallace, Fletcher. British Corkscrew Patents from 1795. Brighton, East Sussex, England: Vernier Press, 1997. Watney, Bernard M. and Homer D. Babbidge. Corkscrews for Collectors. London, England: Philip Wilson Publishers for Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1981.

February 2000: Gayle Stockl, IL, gayles1@ix.netcom.com. My son came across a antique wine corkscrew, with the name of Champion there's a Pat. Sept 71807 ( I think that's what the number is ) DES.PAT JUN.5 1886 ( I think that's what it reeads it's very worn. Any information on it would really help us. Reply: Given the great numbers of these that turn up, The Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois evidently produced a lot of "Champion" barscrews. They are frequently found marked CHAMPION, PAT. SEPT. 7, 1897 and DES. PAT. JUN 9, 1896 for patents issued to Michael Redlinger.

January 4, 2000: William Schmitt from CT (william.schmitt@unilever.com) writes: I find the "Ultimate Corkscrew Book" invaluable. My question is how to keep current with prices, which I assume change in time Answer: Join Corkscrew and Opener Clubs, go to meetings, and watch sales on ebay (www.ebay.com).

October 11, 1999: Phil PAC@cls.city-of-london.sch.uk writes from London: I am collecting information to complete a product investigation of corkscrews, mainly the butlers friend. Any ideas how to find this information. Answer: Check out the various corkscrew site links at http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/virtual/cslinks.htm.

October 11, 1999: Jim writes: I have about 80 corkscrews have been collecting about a year . Does that qualify me for membership in the SMLCC? I am glad there is no fee because I'm going broke buying corkscrews. Thanks for the invite but can't send picture no scanner. Hope that doesn't disqualify me or should I say cork remove me. Thanks again, Jim Answer: Jim, Just snailmail a photo to: SMLCC, c/o Don Bull, P. O. Box 596, Wirtz, VA 24184 USA.

October 11, 1999: From Mike in South Dakota mod61047@DTGNET.COM - Where can I buy a cork remover that has two spring steel cupped blades that you work down either side of the cork and with a pulling twist extract an undamaged cork? Answer: Check out current corkscrews for sale at http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/virtual/csonline.htm.

August 30, 1999: From Ken House in British Columbia, Canada (khouse@direct.ca) - Where can I find a Laguiole corkscrew, patterned like the "waiters friend" but with a shaft of polished horn, steel tipped at each end. A spine of darker, patterned steel running along the top of the handle,ending with a flat, stylized image of a bee. Stamped on the surface of the lever is the word Laguiole. This description from page 118 of Peter Mayle's Encore Provence. Answer: Check out current corkscrews for sale at http://www.bullworks.net/virtual/virtual/csonline.htm

August 30, 1999: From Tara: What are the parts of a corkscrew? There are many parts to the great variety of corkscrews produced. You can find hundreds of Mechanical corkscrews with their details in Ferd. Peters new book. See Ferd Peters website.

August 2, 1999: Clive Quinn, Australia (clivquin@opera.iinet.net.au) - I've been collecting corkscrews for a while now and have up to now stuck to obviously old ones. Should I be also collecting the newer corkscrews (on the grounds that they will be old too one day)? Should I collect all corkscrews? Are there some I shouldn't bother with? What about plastic ones/cheap and nasty ones/mass produced in taiwan ones? Answer: The simple answer is that you should collect corkscrews you like. I personally like them all - old, new, pretty, ugly, plastic, metal...Don Bull

April 11, 1999: From Clive Quinn in Australia (clivquin@opera.iinet.net.au): In my meagre collection of corkscrews I have one which bears the name the surprise and also a spring assisted one with the inscription hercule. Can anyone give me information about them. Also why do some of my older wooden-handled corkscrews have a small metal ring at the top? It makes them easy to display but I'm sure that's not its primary purpose. Answer: The Surprise is George Willet's 1884 English Registration number 13185. The "Hercules" type corkscrew is derived from an 1883 German patent by Dunisch and Schöler. The ring at the top is for hanging it.

March 27, 1999: From Debbie (BlueSkyWG@aol.com): Hi: I just found your name while searching "google". I have a brass corkskrew that is a man and the screw part is him holding his penis. Man, there's delicate way to explain that....is this worth anything or, like my other treasures, very common? Answer: Alas these corkscrews are not difficult to find. They turn up quite frequently on the ebay auction site with most selling for a pittance or not selling at all. If you would like to know the background on these guys, go to: Brussel's Sprout

March 27, 1999: From Roy Wise (wise@csbn.concordia.ca): I am wondering about the worms that belong to Heeley A1 double levers. I have two with wire helix, and the one on Perry's cover is like that and the ones that I notice on eBay are like that. But one of the four pictured in your book has a different worm, almost looks like a speed worm. Can you tell me about worms on Heeleys? Were the originals all wire or were there two (or more) types of worm over the years? And, if so, is one harder to find and hence more valuable (collectable)? Answer: That is a very interesting observation. I must admit - I had not noticed that (shame on me). But it is not unusual to find corkscrews of the same type with different worms. I checked my A1 with the web helix and I feel it is definitely genuine and has not been replaced. Given the quantities that turn up, one would have to agree that the web helix is rarer. It is also interesting to note that my example has advertising on the handle. I also have an A-1 in mint condition in the original box. The picture on the box top shows a wire helix. I recently got a TYR (page 89) with a wire helix to mate with my other one. Now I'll have to spend the entire day examining my worms!!!...DB

March 27, 1999: From Toby Fournier (keithm@sunny.orl.lmco.com): What percentage of Americans do not own a corkscrew? Answer: Depends on their age ....DB

December 21, 1998: Question from Keith Baxter (Keith@hell-bringer.demon.co.uk): I found you site through a search: Pulltaps. I am currently working for the Four Seasons Hotel London, and wish to locate the manufacturer of Pulltaps? And if they have a manufacturing facilities ideally in London or Europe? Can you help me? Answer: Pulltaps c/. Raimon Casellas, 38 0205 Sabadell (Barcelona) SPAIN FAX: 34 3 711 25 59

Question from Duncan Ross Duncan Ross in Scotland: My father used to own a bottle opener that comprised of a black cylinder that held a CO2 bulb and a needle at one end. You stuck it in the cork, hit the trigger and the cork popped out. I've not seen these for years - can they still be found.? Answer: Regarding your question on Don Bulls homepage about CO2 cartridge cork pullers/openers, I have noticed several over the past few months for sale as ebay auctions (www.ebay.com/aw/). Once at the ebay site, just select SEARCH, and search for "corkscrew" or "cork" and scan the hits. Do this every few days (each auction lasts from 3 to 7 days) and you should see a CO2 cork opener for sale. The challenge is to get the winning bid! Good luck. I purchased one that way recently. Bob Roger. toolman@rica.net

Here's one that comes up frequently - Question: December 1, 1998 from David_S._Taylor- I am looking for someone who manufactures high quality corkscrew worms (only) for use on creating custom Waiters style corkscrews. Would you know of any one that makes / sells just the worms? Answer: See: http://www.aardvark-eng.demon.co.uk

Question: October 13, 1998 from Sookki@aol.com. Where can I obtain a Johnny Corkscrew for the show Peter Pan. It is something that the Pirates use. I have looked absolutely EVERYWHERE. Answer: John Belcher ( writes: From Peter Pan - 'Shall i after him, Captain,'aked pathetic Smee, 'and tickle him with Johnny Corkscrew/' Smee had pleasant names for everything' and his cutlass was Johnny Corkscrew. because he wriggled it in the wound.one could mention many lovable traits in smee. for instance, after killing, it was his spectacles he wiped instead of his weapon. 'Johnny's a silent fellow', he reminded Hook. (Answer: a cutlass).

Question: October 13, 1998 from Dan Baker in Berkeley,California dbaker@fantasyjazz.com. When were corkscrews invented? Answer: Over 300 years ago.

Question: December 14, 1997 from Max Furr Mfurr@gloryroad.net. I have a metal corkscrew that has the inscription Green River The whisky without a headache. It is about 5.5 inches long. When the screw is folded back into the handle, the whole thing is 3 inches long. Can anyone give me any history on this. Answer: The Green River Corkscrew is called THE UNIVERSAL and it was patented June 27, 1905 by Harry W. Noyes. It is a pump lever. If you look on the underside, it should be marked UNIVERSAL with the patent date. Surprisingly, the Green River is the most commonly seen of this corkscrew. It has also been seen without advertising and with advertising for Olympia Brewing Co....Don Bull

Question: August 8, 1997 from Llwyd Nuttall nuttalls@netcon.net.au - Are there parts available for Champion Bar Bench corkscrews - soft metal bearing and corkscrew - or even complete Champions. Answer: A modern Champion is currently being manufactured by Rogar International, 1207 North Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230. They even have a Sterling Silver commemorative edition...Don Bull.

Question: May 1, 1997 from Bill Gould BillGould@webtv.net - I have a quest. I'm looking for a corkscrew to open bottles of wine at the millenium. The bottle will be 205 years old! Answer: I think an appropriate corkscrew for a 205 year bottle of wine at the millenium would be a 205 year old corkscrew! The Henshall corkscrew was patented in England in 1795 (205 years before the millenium. This is a wood handle corkscrew with button above the worm. There is a marked one (OBSTANDO PROMOVES SOHO PATENT) with brush in the May 14 Christie's Auction in London. Presale estimate (lot 164) is 800 - 1000 pounds. Lot 165 is also marked but no brush. Estimate is 600 - 800 pounds. Lots 166 & 167 are unmarked examples with estimates of 80 to 150 pounds. Lot 168 is a Variant with Robert Jones type handle, marked and estimated at 300 - 400 pounds....Don Bull

Question: April 26, 1997 from Bob Roger toolman@rica.net. I need help identifying the pedigree of my Dachshund, chrome, tail and rear feet form cap lifter. 4 1/2: long. 2 1/4" center cut worm folds under and forward to belly. Left side is marked in raised letters CROSBY PUP. Anyone know who sired him and when and where? Answer: Bob, years ago Fred Andrew came up with the story that 50 of these were made for Bing Crosby to give to friends. Over the years, I have owned three of them. The Germans also made an elephant and Scotty dog with the same folding worm. These can be viewed with the Crosby Pup on my "Various Things" page (link from homepage)....Don Bull

Question: April 6, 1997 from Lisa Diehl, Portland, Oregon 105500,1324@compuserve.com - "Fixing my Bird" How do I go about getting the helix on my chrome Negbauer parrot replaced and at what cost. What is the value of my bird? Answer: It is probably easier to get another one than to fix it. The standard model (smaller of the two models) is not too hard to find. I saw three on a short 1/2 day trip last week. As far as what it's worth, that depends on what model it is and how badly you want it or someone else wants it. As with most collectibles, prices vary for a variety of reasons. If it is the standard model marked NEGBAUR and U.S.A. PAT'D at the base of the Parrot, and PAT'D NE inside, you won't get rich selling it, especially if damaged. There are at least green, chrome, and gold colors in the standard model, a second model of same size but with different style feathers on the top third, and a larger, scarcer (and much more expensive) version. The standard version is usually with a helix worm. The one I have of the larger version has a center cut worm marked Williamson on the shaft. They aren't always marked with all of the marks listed above. The patent is 1929 (see O'Leary's book) by Avillar.....Bob Roger. toolman@rica.net

Question: April 4, 1997 from Alexander R. Adam, Germany adam@iz.comcity.de - I am looking for an air pump corkscrew named CORKETTE, made in England. I tried to order at the Wine Enthusiast buy it failed. Impossible to order in Germany. Answer: Ron MacLean writes that he has a duplicate burgundy and white Corkette in excellent condition for sale or trade. It is marked Corkette U.K. Pat. No. 986984 complete with instructions in case marked SPONG Co. LTD. ronmaclean@home.com

Question: March 2, 1997 from George Lay bigge022@aol.com - I have a Schlitz corkscrew with wooden handle. In the middle of the handle is a globe with advertising for Schlitz, Milwaukee. The bell is cast in the shape of a globe with Schlitz advertising. What is age and value? Answer: Sounds like you have one of Edwin Walker's first bells, manufactured by E.S.M. Co., Erie, Pennsylvania in the early 1890's. One of these sold in the April 1996 Christie's London auction for £138. Bob Roger toolman@rica.net

Question: February 5, 1997 from Brian McCann victoriacros@wwnet.com - Where can I have a missing brush replaced in the handle of a corkscrew? Answer: Many of the brushes on corkscrews are not old - they are sometimes replaced with bristles from horsehair shaving brushes....Don Bull. Ron MacLean says "I have found that early shaving brushes are usually much too soft. Usually a suitably coloured clothes dusting brush bristles are stiff enough and are the same as the brushes originally fitted. Ladies' and infants' hair brushes often work well as well."

Question: February 2, 1997 from Leo P. Woodall (bmwfoods@atlanta.com) - I recently purchased a 6" brass parrot (Negbaur) with worm marked Williamson Co. There are no other markings. Did Williamson manufacture this corkscrws. What is approx. value? Answer: Ron MacLean says Williamson was the supplier of the web helix only for the large brass parrot. They supplied worms for the makers of the Neal patent, Syroco figures, Niftys and can openers. "It is worth many marked Negbaur parrots!"

Question: September 21, 1997 from Bob Roger toolman@rica.net. This T handle with fixed bell is a mystery to me. Can anyone help with origin / date / other? It is nickel plated brass one piece solid, unmarked and has a helix worm.	Answer from Ron:What an unusual design - I have never seen one before and I too wonder about its origin. As you mention it appears the handle, shaft as well as the bell is a single casting. This is an unusual design feature and the shape of the handle and the bell are not familiar forms. It would be a benefit to see it in person, perhaps at the CCCC AGM this July in Mississauga, Ontario. I would assume it is circa 1900. Perhaps upon examination by the many dealers and collectors at the AGM someone may know about its history.
Question: January 30, 1997 from Stephan Baumann (Baumans@basf-corp.com) - I saw this neat corkscrew in the design museum in London. I was running low on pounds and I thought that I could find the same screw in the states. So far, I'm not doing too well. It is a compound lever Corkscrew in the shape of a fish, very similar in design to the Zig Zag. Would you happen to know where I can get one?	Answer: I saw one last summer in the Orvis outlet store in Roanoke, Virginia. They are a mail order company. You should be able to find their address on line....Don Bull. Bob Roger writes: "I got one in an Alexandria, VA store. It is called LAZY FISH, made in England. Price in box is $29.95. You can call 1-800-243-0852 and order it by mail. Ron MacLean says Kenn Cameron has them for sale at $20 plus post. Kenn is at 1744 Commercial St., E. Weymouth, MA 02189.
Ron, How do you collect corkscrews?

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