Cockade Corkscrew
This is a corkscrew with a worm-gear mechanism (the "Heeley Double Lever" type or similar in principle), often referred to as the "French bell" model.
The handle: It is carved in the shape of a bicorne, the emblematic hat associated with Napoleon I. You can even see the little tricolor cockade.
The body (the bell): It's made of metal and features symbolic reliefs.
The decoration on the shaft is very specific to French republican imagery:
The Phrygian Cap: At the top of the coat of arms, it symbolizes freedom.
The Scales of Justice: We can make out the pans on either side, representing fairness.
The Oak and Laurel Crown: It surrounds the central motif, symbolizing strength and glory.
Although the style evokes the First Empire (Napoleon), this kind of object is usually a historical souvenir or patriotic decorative object made later, often towards the end of the 19th century or early 20th century.
4. How it worksThis is a so-called "assisted extraction" mechanism:
The bell is placed on the neck of the bottle.
The handle (the bicorne) is turned to press the wick into the cork.
Once the wick has been pressed in, the brass disc under the handle comes to rest on the top of the bell. Continuing to turn, the screw rises and extracts the cork without any manual pulling effort.
Period: 19th century
Style: Consulat, Empire
Condition: Good condition
Material: Metal
Height: 18cm
Reference (ID): 1736560
Availability: In stock
