The Walker Bell

In 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

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

Walker Collar with Caplifter and Wire Cutter corkscrew with Tusk handle.

Circa 1930's
USA

Horse. Horn.
With Walker Collar.
Circa 1930's. USA