Ultra Rare 17th Century Combination Corkscrew Thames 1650 - 1700 Ad For Sale

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this photo shows the clear twisting of the worm that was wrought in the blacksmiths forge

the screw tip has snapped off (likley during use) leaving about two thirds of the worm

GROUP OF DIRECT PRESSURE CORKSCREWS

CORK PULLERS

On offer is this very nice and early combination corkscrew and cork puller, dating to the 17th - early 18th century. This rare item was recovered from the Thames mud in London, and is in well preserved condition. The folding angled cork puller still works, and freely pivots on its original iron hinge. The only missing piece is the cap which would have fixed into the handcut screw thread as pictured above (this may have been made from bone or wood). The cap would have acted as the 'T' shaped handle when in use (placed into the iron hoop above the worm). The worm has lost about one third of the original screw tip, these early corkscrews had a few twists on the worm, rather than all the way up (a bit like the gun worms they were developed from). I have sold a few early corkscrews in the past, this one is by far the most interesting and complex. You can clearly see that the design, has been well thought out by its original maker. This is an excellent example of an original early corkscrew. It would make a great addition to your collection, since very few of these early ultra-rare pieces have survived from the 17th century, especially as most early pieces were designed and made in England.

It is unknown when and who made the first corkscrew. The first corkscrews were derived from a gun worme, a tool with a single or double spiral end fitting used to clean musket barrels or to extract an unspent charge from the barrel. By the early 17th century corkscrews for removing corks were made by blacksmiths as using a cork to stopper a bottle was well established.

More information on combination cork pullers can be found here

More information on early corkscrews can be found here

Size: 77mm x 23mm (closed) 146mm long (open) ring 15mm x 6mm (remaining worm 27mm)

Weight: 25.5g

Date: c. 1650 - 1700 AD

Material: Iron

This item is guaranteed authentic and dates to the period described. A written guarantee can be provided on request. We accept returns if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

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This item has been shown 425 times. Ultra Rare 17th Century Combination Corkscrew Thames 1650 - 1700 Ad: $91