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The Walker BellIn 1893, Edwin Walker, an American, obtained a patent for a bell shaped cap placed on the shank above the worm. Although the bell is loose around the shank, a Cotter pin keeps it from sliding up the shank. As the worm inserts into the cork, the bottom of the bell comes to rest on the neck of the bottle; further turning of the crosspiece causes the cork to rise up on the worm. Known as Walker's Self Puller, these corkscrews became immensely popular. Manufactured with all manner of handles, including wood, stag horn, and carved boars tusk. 1890's. USA |
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Walker Bell with Wire CutterIn 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 Late 19th Century. USA |
The Walker CollarToward 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. |
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From the Athenian Club, Oakland, California
Early 1900s. USA |
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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.
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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) above the bell. The wood handle is imprinted with:AGED IN WOOD USA |
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A Williamson corkscrew with rosewood handle.
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A sturdy, well-made Williamson corkscrew. The long bell, acting more like a cylindrical frame, has enough room to pull up half of the cork.
The handle carries the Anheuser Busch name on one side and the company logo on the other. The shank bears the following imprint: WILLIAMSON CO. NEWARK, NJ PATENTED. USA |
