| January 4, 2000: Michelle from Saint Lucia (michelleb75@hotmail.com) writes: I am urgently trying to find a pocket corkcrew for a good friend of mine. I want a simple pocket corscrew 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? | |
| 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 29, 1999: smc_702@yahoo.com writes: I am doing a research on why they put a cork in the wine bottle? Can any tell? | |
| October 29, 1999: Dave Riser from Colorado (davidriser@aol.com) writes: 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. | |
| October 29, 1999: Robert Douds from Atlanta, Ga. USA ( ahscomputer@msn.com) writes: I have always used the generic term Churchkey as anything that would open a bottle of beer. Any idea on origin of the word? | |
| October 29, 1999: Kallen from Oregon (mhkjallen@aol.com) writes: 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! | |
| October 29, 1999: John Blumson from Australia (jblumson@dehaa.sa.gov.au) writes: 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. | |
| October 11, 1999: Cedric Franz from South Africa (cedric.franz@talk21.com) writes: 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? | |
| 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 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? | |
| 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 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? | |
| 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? | The simple answer is that you should collect corkscrews you like.
I personally like them all - old, new, pretty, ugly, plastic, metal...Don Bull
Any other comments from readers? |
| May 2, 1999: 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. | |
| April 18, 1999: From Wayne Meadows (wmeadows@helix.net). Comments The ECLIPSE bar corkscrew was marked in a number of different ways. ECLIPSE THE PATENT ECLIPSE etc. I would like to contact any collector who has one marked THE ORIGINAL ECLIPSE. | If you have one, let Wayne know. |
| April 14, 1999: From 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. | Answer: |
| 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: Dicksrus...D |
| 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 |
| I think a lot of readers would like the answer to this question: December 1, 1998 from Andy Breitenmoser Where can I buy the clown and the knight from Syroco? | Answer: |
| 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: November 2, 1998 from 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. | Answer: |
| 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: July 7, 1998 from 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. | Answer: |
| Question: July 7, 1998 from Jennie Alvarez in Ohio jla@cprslaw.com. Where can I find a Laguiole? | Answer: |
| Question: July 7, 1998 from Linda Korsen lindahap@aol.com. I collect Dr. Syntax items. Is there a Dr. Syntax corkscrew? | Answer: |
| Question: July 7, 1998 from Fiona Clewlow clewlow@virgin.net. 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? | Answer: |
| Question: July 7, 1998 from Pat Betzhold maniftoufs@aol.com. I'm looking for information on the Will and Finck company and their corkscrews. Any help? | Answer: |
| 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: December 9, 1997 from Mike medstat@prodigy.net. Have you ever seen an Elvis Presley Corkscrew? I want to find one. | Answer: Francis Marshall says "The Elvis corkscrew has been located! See: http://www.wolfenet.com/~marshall/cavern.html (marshall@wolfenet.com). |
| 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: |
| Question: On September 11, 1997 Judy and Jerry Wallace jerijudi@aol.com submitted their names for the Collectors on Line list and asked for good ideas on displaying corkscrews. Perhaps we could assemble some ideas... email a description of your display. Send photos! | Project: email ideas for displaying corkscrews
and photos of your displays. Francis Marshall submits this: I too am trying to figure out how best to display my corkscrews. For small pocket screws and roundlets, I'm currently using those common black glass covered cardboard boxes 16 x 12 x 1 filled with a white polly batting. I buy these at a local flea market for $6.00. Recently I purchased a 5 sided rotating display stand about 5 foot tall. The best way I can describe it is: It might be similar to a a potato chip rack you might find at 7-11. I plan to use peg board hooks to hold simple t's and double levers. My standing corkscrews I have on shelves in a glass display cabinet. (marshall@wolfenet.com). |
| 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 17, 1997 from Steven Bethel, Hawaii psbethel@lava.net - I have just started collecting corkscrews and would like to find Fred O'Leary's book on the subject. |
Answer: You can purchase the book direct from Fred. Price is $79.95 ($100.00 for Limited Edition version). Add $4 S & H for U.S., $12 for other countries. Write Fred O'Leary, 6149 Shadygrove Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014...Don Bull |
| Question: April 6, 1997 from Ken Hark, Florida harkx@ibm.net - I just found a Vogliotti variant with solid bottom ring marked MARQUE & MODELE DEPOSE - PRATIC BOY SCOUT. Anyone have any details / comments regarding this corkscrew? |
Answer: Ron MacLean writes: This is a variation of the French Vogliotti patent except with a fixed neck ring instead of folding. It was manufactured by A. Boy at the "Fabrique Lyonnaise d'Articles Metalliques" (Lyon Metal Articles Works), Information from the best Six of Gerard Bidault, Angers, France. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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." |
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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!" |
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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. |
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Question: Glenn Cardin (Glenn_Cardin@msn.com) writes - Sunday I picked up an interesting looking multi-tool labeled MARVEL PAT APP FOR. Have you heard of it ? It's not in Oleary's book. |
Answer: Ron MacLean (ronmaclean@home.com) writes: "The Marvel is a very good find. A. U.S. patent was never found for this tool. Possibly an imported multitool." |
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Question: Wine Mon@aol.com is looking for a company that currently manufactures a corkscrew called PULLTAPS. Very functional design for waitstaff. Also want information on current corkscrew manufacturers worldwide. Anyone know about PULLTAPS? |
Answer: Dean Walters writes: Octagon Marketing in Vancouver, BC, Canada carries them. Email Karel Janousek |
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Question: Bob Roger (toolman@rica.net) writes - I just acquired an old bow (harp) corkscrew with hoof pick, button hook, and fluted worm. The hoof pick is marked as follows: "HA?DRICH PHILADA." It apparently was made in Philadelphia in the 1700s or 1800s. The third letter is probably either an E,L,R,or D. I suspect it is either HAEDRICH, HARDRICH, or H.ALDRICH. As far as I can tell from industrial records, there were no tool manufacturers in Philly that match either of these. Do you know who this corkscrew maker could have been, or who might know. |
 Answer: Ron MacLean writes: "Harp with the wire helix looks English or possibly German. Not aware of any U.S. manufacturer of this type. Perhaps it is a distributor's mark on an imported corkscrew." |
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Question: Bruce Winfield (JodyWin@aol.com) asks "I have a simple wire corkscrew that is 16 inches long. The shank is 12 inches. The ring is 2" and the worm is 2". Does anyone know what it is for or when it was made? |
Answer: You have a packing screw for removing wadding from a gun barrel.....Don Bull. And Ron MacLean writes: "Without seeing the tool, I suspect it is a mechanic's packing remover tool. A wadding extractor normally has a double wire helix. Packing remover tools are normally quite utilitarian in appearance. A flexible shaft packing remover tool, the Dura Hook, is illustrated on page 320 of O'Leary's book on corkscrews." |
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Question: Wayne Meadows (wmeadows@mail.helix.net), Marc Enrile from Belgium (Marc.Enrile@ping.be) and Bob Weller (rweller@h-e.com) have all asked about the current manufacturer of the "Estate" or "Vintner" barscrews (like the Champion). |
Answer: These are being manufactured by Rogar International, 1207 North Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230, Tel. 1-800-351-1420. They are sold in the Wine Enthusiast Catalog (see link on my homepage). Rogar recently borrowed my Champion that was owned by Al Capone for a food show in Chicago.......Don Bull. Further to this, Ron MacLean says a warranty card for the Vintner gives an earlier address of Rogar Manufacturing Corporation, 702 South Fifth, Abilene, Texas 79602. |
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Question: John Quinn (JohnQuinn-Kansas City@worldnet.att.net) writes "Where can a find a 'Campagnolo' corkscrew made by the Italian bicycle accessory company?" |
Answer: This 12 inch tall corkscrew is a two-lever Italian design made by Campagnolo of Vicenza, Italy. They are currently available. See link on the homepage. |