Assisted Pull Corkscrews:
Caps and Collars

Bennit Cap

In 1883, William Bennit of New York improved upon the Henshall button by replacing it with a simple cap. As the worm inserts into the cork, the bottom of the cap comes to rest on the neck of the bottle; further turning of the crosspiece causes the cork to rise up on the worm.

PAT. May 18th, 1883

The Walker Bell

There were many variations of the Bennit cap, but none quite so successful as the Walker Bell, patented in 1893 by Edwin Walker, another American. A bell-shaped cap is loosely fitted between the worm and the shank; a Cotter pin keeps it from sliding up the shank. Known as Walker's Self Puller, these corkscrews became immensely popular.

1890's. USA

Walker Bell with Wire Cutter

In 1896, Walker modified his bell cap to include a wire cutter. One end of the handle of the corkscrew shown here bears the following imprint:

WALKER'S
SELF PULLER
PAT. JULY
25, 93

Late 19th Century. USA

The Walker Collar

Toward the end of the nineteenth century, Painter's Crown Cap, invented in 1891, had gained wide popularity. This spurred Walker to modify his bell to include a cap lifter, resulting in what is now called the Walker Collar, patented in 1899. Even today, the Walker collar (minus the no-longer necessary wire cutter) remains one of the most widely used corkscrew devices.

A Walker Collar with a stag horn handle.
Circa 1930's. USA

The Walker Bell was widely copied in America and Europe. Many corkscrew manufacturers obtained patents on its variations. The corkscrew shown here was made by Williamson Co. of Newark, New Jersey. It includes a foil cutter (or a wire snipper) on top of the bell. The wood handle is imprinted with:

AGED IN WOOD
From the Graystone Cellars

USA

Another variation by Williamson. The shank is thicker, the wire cutter is sharper and the worm is shorter. Made for Dallas Brewery, Dallas, Texas. The following advice was undoubtedly heeded, as it is still visible on the underside of the otherwise well-worn handle: NEED NOT PULL, KEEP TURNING.

Williamson Co., Newark, New Jersey

USA