Novelty Corkscrews

Undeniably utilitarian, corkscrews have taken yet another path in the Twentieth Century. Designers have incorporated the shapes of people, animals, and even common objects into their newest corkscrews. Elegant or ordinary, staid, fanciful, or even outlandish - you'll find it in the Novelty Section!

Pictured on the right is a corkscrew widely believed to caricature Senator Volstead, of Prohibition Act of 1919 fame. Not so! Press here for more Prohibition Era corkscrews and the REAL Prohibition Era story!
The top hat can be removed to reveal a cavity that is just the right size for toothpicks.
Marked OLD SNIFTER on one side and Demley on the other.

Bronze. 1930's. USA

In the 1930's, the Syracuse Ornamental Company, Syracuse, New York, patented a wood composite from which they made decorative accessories for the home. Trademarked as Syroco Wood, it could be pressed into molds made from a wooden carving to achieve a surprisingly accurate "carved wood" look. Though of comparatively recent vintage, figural corkscrews made from Syroco Wood have a definite standing in the antique/collectible corkscrew market.. Press here for other Syroco Corkscrews.

Monk.
1940's. USA

The Chef on the right is another in the wide range of corkscrews utilizing the human figure. Press here for more.

Animals, birds, and fish of all kinds have found their way into corkscrew manufacture. Press here for corkscrews from the Animal Kingdom.

A Unicorn corkscrew with bottle opener. From Gumps of San Francisco.
Brass. USA

These shapely legs with striped stockings and smart buttoned boots protect the worm until it's time to use it. Though of recent (Twentieth Century) manufacture, this type has definitely caught the eyes of collectors, and prices have risen accordingly. The Lady's Legs corkscrew comes in several different sizes and stocking color combinations. Press here for more.

Lady's Legs. Graef and Schmidt.
Early 1900's. Germany.

Corkscrews have been concealed in knife handles, included in multum in parvo tools, and combined with, among other things, carriage keys, whistles, carving forks, and snuffboxes. Press here for more.