Corkscrew
1842 (design registered)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
During the 19th century a large number of different mechanisms for opening bottles were patented. The design for this particular corkscrew was registered by Robert Jones & Son, Cheapside, Birmingham, on 7 October 1842.
Manufacturer
Many of the more sophisticated corkscrews were made by Birmingham manufacturers. Dixs' Directory of Birmingham, dating from 1858, lists 16 corkscrew manufacturers (including Robert Jones & Son), all of which were substantial firms. This corkscrew is stamped with the design registry mark for October 7th 1842 VR and ROBERT JONES BIRMINGHAM REGISTERED. It is an example of the rare second patent.
Materials & Use
The turned wooden handle would originally have been fitted with a brush, used to clean off the dirt and dust from an ancient bottle of wine. Characteristic of Jones' patent corkscrews are the two steel spikes protruding through the washer inside the brass case. These hold the cork steady as it is withdrawn from the bottle. As with all the Robert Jones' patents, the brass case decorated with mouldings and the plain steel 'worm' are very well finished and precisely cut.
During the 19th century a large number of different mechanisms for opening bottles were patented. The design for this particular corkscrew was registered by Robert Jones & Son, Cheapside, Birmingham, on 7 October 1842.
Manufacturer
Many of the more sophisticated corkscrews were made by Birmingham manufacturers. Dixs' Directory of Birmingham, dating from 1858, lists 16 corkscrew manufacturers (including Robert Jones & Son), all of which were substantial firms. This corkscrew is stamped with the design registry mark for October 7th 1842 VR and ROBERT JONES BIRMINGHAM REGISTERED. It is an example of the rare second patent.
Materials & Use
The turned wooden handle would originally have been fitted with a brush, used to clean off the dirt and dust from an ancient bottle of wine. Characteristic of Jones' patent corkscrews are the two steel spikes protruding through the washer inside the brass case. These hold the cork steady as it is withdrawn from the bottle. As with all the Robert Jones' patents, the brass case decorated with mouldings and the plain steel 'worm' are very well finished and precisely cut.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Steel and brass, with wooden handle |
| Brief description | Steel and brass with wooden handle, Birmingham, designed 1842, made by Robert Jones & Sons. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Stamped with ROBERT JONES & SON BIRMINGHAM REGISTERED
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
This was the second design registered by Robert Jones, a leading manufacturer of fine quality corkscrews. Protection from copying was important because of the invention of different bottle-opening mechanisms and the rapid growth of competition.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | G. Giachin Bequest |
| Object history | Made by Robert Jones & Son, Birmingham |
| Summary | Object Type During the 19th century a large number of different mechanisms for opening bottles were patented. The design for this particular corkscrew was registered by Robert Jones & Son, Cheapside, Birmingham, on 7 October 1842. Manufacturer Many of the more sophisticated corkscrews were made by Birmingham manufacturers. Dixs' Directory of Birmingham, dating from 1858, lists 16 corkscrew manufacturers (including Robert Jones & Son), all of which were substantial firms. This corkscrew is stamped with the design registry mark for October 7th 1842 VR and ROBERT JONES BIRMINGHAM REGISTERED. It is an example of the rare second patent. Materials & Use The turned wooden handle would originally have been fitted with a brush, used to clean off the dirt and dust from an ancient bottle of wine. Characteristic of Jones' patent corkscrews are the two steel spikes protruding through the washer inside the brass case. These hold the cork steady as it is withdrawn from the bottle. As with all the Robert Jones' patents, the brass case decorated with mouldings and the plain steel 'worm' are very well finished and precisely cut. |
| Bibliographic reference | Bernard M. Watney and Homer D. Babbidge, Corkscrews for Collectors, Sotheby Park Bernet, London and New York, 1981, ISBN: 0 85667 113 4 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.97-1993 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
