Another Mumford, and heading off for a few days…

The lovely bride has been planning a b-day trip for some time, and in a couple of hours we will be heading off island for a Josef’s-Birthday-Adventure!  What is really fun about this, is she has kept the entire thing a secret, and I have no idea where we are headed.  She is pretty amazing.

I will report on the birthday-extravaganza when we return on Tuesday.

On a corkscrew note, since Tommy and I were hanging out together, and since we had both found corkscrews, why not trade.  So, Tommy grabbed the plain Sterling roundlet that I picked up on day one of Brimfield, a Decapitator advertising Clough, and another corkscrew that I can’t remember, and in exchange I took his cracked, tarnished, rusty, and pitted Mumford : )

 

 

After getting ready for the upcoming trip, I had a few minutes to spare, so I decided to give the Mumford a little cleaning to make it a little more appealing.  And,  it is pretty nicely marked:

 

And, um… apparently isn’t cracked after all : )

It could still use a little more tender loving care, but it is beginning to clean up nicely.

 

 

Now, it is time to finish packing, and then head off to the boat.

Stay tuned!

Brimfield – Day 3

Thursday morning at Brimfield is certainly more civil, as May’s field opens at 9:00 in the morning, as opposed to daybreak as on Tuesday.  And, after packing up and checking out of the hotel, a caravan of vehicles started heading towards the antique show.  At first, it was just a caravan of three–Barry, Tommy, and I.  But, as we neared Brimfield, traffic got heavier and heavier, and we were stop and go for the last two miles before we could find parking.  Not really that bad, given we gave ourselves an early start.  Those that were still sipping their coffee, and contemplating a day of antiquing would soon be backed up for multiple miles.

As mentioned yesterday, there were a couple of dealers who had suggested a return visit after they unearthed some corkscrews, and one came through.  While he only had one that he could find, that Tommy bought, he started to describe, in detail, a corkscrew he has back at his shop.  As he was describing it, I grabbed my iPhone and pulled up my website.

And, after clicking a picture, and enlarging it for him, I asked, “like this.”

“That’s the one.”

“I would definitely be interested,” I responded.

We talked value/price, and logistics of getting to his shop, but he promised photos of the others that he has as well when he gets back to his place.

(The anticipation is killing you isn’t it)

After our visit with the dealer, we headed off to May’s and stood in line for half an hour while waiting the gates to open.  And, when they did, we headed off on the hunt.   I hadn’t planned to stay long at May’s, as I had to hit the road, and catch the 2:45 boat.  So, after meeting with another dealer who saves his corkscrews for me (sadly he didn’t have any this time), I walked a few aisles, and shortly thereafter texted TC to tell him I was on my way out.

Tommy had found some corkscrews at that point, and I passed on a too expensive Anri bar set.  I had run into Barry, and he had yet to pick up anything, but I am sure it was only a matter of time before each picked up a few more.

I hopped in the car, and made my way back to Rockland where I caught the 2:45 with 20 minutes to spare (in between, the aforementioned dealer called me to discuss a couple of other openers he just found in his van, and promised pictures of those as well).

All in all, a successful trip to Brimfield.  Good corkscrews the first two days, a good time with Barry and Tommy, and a great lead on a very nice corkscrew with our new dealer friend.

What is the corkscrew?  Well, from his description, and then his confirmation when he saw the picture, in a week or so, a deal should be done on one of these:

 

Brimfield – Day 2

This morning we all met at the appointed time, and headed off towards Brimfield.   The first new field of the morning opened at 6:00 am, and we were there at the ready.  Barry was going to use an alternate entrance, I was going to start on the right side, and Tommy was going to head somewhere where we weren’t.

In the first few booths, I hadn’t found much, but picked a 5 dollar t pull, and then a nice Anri terrier figural corkscrew.

The seller of the 5 dollar T-pull explained that he had better corkscrews at home, but as he was heading home tonight, he would bring the corkscrews back with him tomorrow. I am hopeful that he will remember to bring them, and they are worth bringing : )

Lots of overpriced corkscrews were available in this particular field, and I had just about finished the last row of dealers, when I decided to text Tommy to see how he was doing.  We hadn’t seen each other since he started of in the other direction.  And, his text came back, “Mumford.”  Nice find TC!  And, with an asking price of 25 dollars, it is a REALLY nice find!

After we exhausted that field, we grabbed some breakfast and recognized we had about an hour to kill before the next field was to open.  So, Barry headed off, and  TC and I meandered back through the field again, just in case…

As it approached 9:00, we congregated at the entrance of the next field to be opened, and again made our plans of attack.  I would head to the left of the field, Tommy to the right, and Barry to the back of the field, and work his way forward.

The gates opened, and the guys took off.  I on the other hand, simply stopped at the first booth on the left hand of the aisle and picked up a nice direct pull with blade/cutter.

I headed down the field, and after turning to the next aisle, entered into a booth where the dealer said, “Its the corkscrew guy.”  And, while I was perusing the items, he got up and walked past me and started rummaging through a box.  I asked him if I could help him find something, to which he responded, “I have a corkscrew for you.”  And, within short order presented me with a lovely La Pierre roundlet adorned with a fleur de lys pattern.  After asking how much, and my countering the offer, we met in the middle.  I handed over my cash, and I was off to the next booth.

After passing on a few common corkscrews, I then spotted a small case with nice corkscrews within it. When I looked up, I recognized this dealer with whom I have been talking corkscrews for several years.  He is a former CCCC member, and had sold off most of his collection, but over the various visits to Brimfield has told me that at the next show, he would bring a few with him.  This would be followed by him repeating the same thing the next show, and the next.  It seems finally he brought them.

There was a very nice Goliath–which is pretty funny given in yesterday’s field there was a very nice Geha.  Much like the Geha, the price was a bit much, so I left that one behind but picked up a very handsome British brass frame corkscrew and corkscrew that looks similar to a Plant’s Magic patent (unmarked).

Given I had been pestering him to bring the corkscrews for 3 or 4 years now, he was willing to strike a deal for the pair.

Shortly I met up with Tommy, and since we hadn’t seen Barry, we headed over to grab a bite to eat, and wait for the third field to open.  Finally the bell rung so buyers could start buying, and we scurried about asking for corkscrews.  Not much in this field, although I did pick up a couple of Haffs.  And, as luck would have it I had another conversation with another dealer who had a small box of corkscrews in his van.  With sales fast and furious, he wasn’t able to get to them, but promised to hold them for me until tomorrow.  That definitely will be my first stop of the day.

All in all, a nice day walking the fields of Brimfield.

Tonight we will make our annual pilgrimage to the Student Prince to celebrate a successful Brimfield trip, as tomorrow we each will be heading back home.

Not before hitting May’s field of course…and you never know what might turn up.

 

Stay tuned.

Brimfield – Day 1

Last night, Barry and I headed off to dinner, and as the last round was almost done, Tommy walked into the restaurant, grabbed a captain and diet coke, and soon enough a couple more drafts appeared for Barry and I.

We talked to Tommy about his drive, examined a signed CLARK direct pull that I picked up on my drive down, and made plans for the morning—we also debated whether the Clark is really signed or not, as you can make out the C, and a portion of the L and the K, but it is really really really faint.  Still, I will go with signed Clark!

This morning we met as arranged, and all headed off together to Brimfield.  After our arrival, Barry headed right, and TC and I headed left.  For the most part, Tommy and I stuck together, checking out booths and hunting for hidden helixes.

Several times we headed opposite directions, only to meet up shortly thereafter.  And, when this would happen we would share what had been found thus far; a flash, a starr wall mout, a couple of t-pulls, Ebay fodder for the most part.  Tommy (and a couple of the dealers) were getting a kick out of my new negotiating technique.  I would ask how much, and whatever price they respond with, I simple repeat the price; loudly with a certain disbelief.  Thus far, it hasn’t really helped, but we all certainly get a good laugh over it–especially when it is 5 dollars for a flash or similar.

At that point, we hadn’t seen Barry since he headed right.  And, as we were closing in on the time when Dealer’s Choice was to open, we made our way towards the field.  Still, no Barry in sight.

We traversed the field at the appointed time.  I saw a waiter and codger for 75 a piece–which were purchased by a dealer and repriced in the next field for 125 a piece–and passed on a peg and worm that was a bit over priced.  Tommy on the other hand, had texted to say he got a  henshall (unsigned) for 10 bucks…  Nice!

Before Dealer’s Choice opened however, I had picked up a couple of things as well.  A signed Murphy T pull, a decapitator Clough, a Sterling roundlet in nice shape, an unusual Aubock key—in aluminum, a Williamsburg brass corkscrew, and a haff patent.  Nothing truly spectaular, but the day (and the week) is still young.

After grabbing a bite, I met up with Barry and TC.  As usual, we compared finds.  And, Barry had picked up some nice items.  A small white scottie dog with the bell in the tummy for very little, and Perille Perle folding corkscrew—hmmm I guess we should have headed right.

As the next field opened, we split up, with me heading right (this time), Barry heading left, and  TC heading straight up the middle.  There were a fair amount of corkscrews in this particular field, but many of them overpriced.  Still, I was quite happy when I happened upon an unusual figural black cat corkscrew, and then three booths later I scored a Bodega—a corkscrew that I have never  had before, and for a very fair price.

Shortly thereafter we all met up again, and visited a booth that had an absolutely mint Geha—with nice markings.  However, the price was a bit steep, and none of us wanted to fork over the amount the dealer was asking–the Geha was left behind…

Tomorrow there are three new fields opening, and you never know what might turn up.  Stay tuned.

Are you driving yet Tommy?

Brimfield starts on Tuesday morning, and Tommy will be driving out to join the usual suspects as we search the fields of Brimfield for corkscrews.   But, with TC’s drive taking at least 14 hours, and knowing that he will probably hit every backroad antique store/mall along the way, what should be 14 hours could ultimately be 3 days.

Just be sure to be there for the 3 am wake up call on Tuesday TC!!

.

Of course, beyond hunting for corkscrews one of the best parts of the three (and sometimes four) day antiquing adventure is that so many corkscrew collecting friends turn up.  Yes, it means there is competition for our coveted corkscrews, but it is always fun to re-connect with friends.

The May show at Brimfield is always the most attended, both by buyers and by dealers.  And, there are ALWAYS corkscrews to be discovered.

What will be unearthed this time around?  I can hardly wait!!!

more info on The Simplex…

After reading yesterday’s blog, Don Bull emailed with information on The Simplex corkscrew.

He explained that The Simplex was patented by Henry Cliff (of Chicago) in Germany in 1894–this is something I should have remembered given that it was part of Don’s presentation The Incomplete Chicago Corkscrew Story from last year’s ICCA AGM.

 

For those of you interested in checking out his presentation, it is available on The-ICCA.net website in the Library section.  You can link to it here.

A follow up email from Don explained that The Simplex was also patented by Henry Cliff in England (No. 9,972, May 22, 1894) and again in France (No.238,702, May 22, 1894).

What is interesting is all of the patents are from May of 1894, but the corkscrew itself is marked Jan. 26, 1894…where does this date come from?

Surely there is some documentation out there…and, I will continue the hunt!

Thanks for the information Don!

 

btw:  Brimfield starts in four days!!!!

The Simplex + 1

First of all, I really can’t help it, but every time I think of The Simplex, Duran Duran’s “Reflex” starts running through my head. Feel free to sing along.

 

Okay, now that we have that over with…

Recently, Peter and RL managed to score a collection in Phoenix, and after making their own picks offered up a couple of pieces. While there were some nice corkscrews–Baker Patent, Barnes Double Helix, and Barnes folding bow without hooks, to name a few that would be going into their respective collections–there was one in particular that caught my eye; The Simplex.

 

I had recently seen two Simplexes at John and Martha’s house (two variations), and he shared that while there is a patent date on the side of the corkscrew, no patent has ever been found. And, as I am always up for a research challenge, when the Simplex from the Phoenix collection was made available, I pulled the trigger immediately.

Thus far, I have yet to unearth the patent information, but I did find a nice advertisement for “The Simplex Cork Puller” from an 1895 issue of Home Furnishing Review (volume 7).

The advertisement reads:

“THE SIMPLEX’ CORK PULLER

No. 38

NICKEL PLATE

Simplicity of construction and operation are the two points always to be sought in making a machine for use in unskilled hands. These points have been perfectly met in this Cork Puller, making it the simplest and cheapest machine in the world, requiring less than half the power of other machines, and being impossible to get out of order.

 

The questions remain, was the corkscrew ever really patented? Was the date put on there merely to keep others from copying the design? Is it perhaps the wrong patent date like the cast iron handled Curley.  Let the researching begin!

 

As a throw in piece, RL and PB are sending me this interesting little Clough.

 

 

 

Thanks for the icing boys!

Eggerss-O’Flyng

When I was visiting John and Martha in Nashville in April, I saw his Walker and Orr patent spoon, and sitting next to it, a less substantial version. Clearly it was a Walker and Orr, but made out of formed tin.

I knew I had to find one. And, as it happened, last Monday on ebay there was a what looked to be a spitting image of the variation in John and Martha’s collection. I put it on my watch list, and this afternoon placed a fair bid.

For the last few hours, I was the highest bidder, and I waited for the snipe bids to come in. In the past Walker and Orr spoons have brought anywhere from 100 on up to the 250 range. And, moments ago, I received the confirmation email–just over 20 dollars was the final price, and I was the high bidder : )

Now, this isn’t a truly rare corkscrew, but these definitely do not turn up regularly.

This one is also interesting as it is an advertising piece for EGGERSS-O’FLYNG

An interesting little patented corkscrew to add to the collection.

Also, for those wondering, RL’s Wilhelm did sell on the ICCAuction–for about $ 21,000.00 . I think it is time to hunt for one of those too.

Round 2 (or perhaps round 3 and 4)

The next round ICCAuction corkscrew auctions will start ending today at 1 o’clock eastern standard time. And, there are a few upon which I will be placing bids.

A few have already surpassed the price that I have in mind, but it will be interesting to see how high they go. And, of course RL’s Wilhelm patent is up for sale, and the question remains if one (or several) of the well-heeled collectors will click the button and take the rare American patent.

Beyond corkscrewing around, we are still in construction mode here at the house, but are closing in–although it seems like I keep saying that.

The laundry room is done, the bathroom is awaiting a second coat of paint, the new sliding glass door is in, the pine walls are complete, and Monday we begin installing the hardwood floors. By the time I leave for Brimfield (a week from Monday) we should be down to some final electrical, plumbing, and trim work. We ARE closing in!

10 days until Brimfield!

W & F x 3

Yesterday morning, I received an interesting email, which referenced a nice buy that TC made. With a pretty fair buy it now price, a German Perpetual with an unusual marking for Will & Finck will be added to Tommy’s collection

The email also included a picture of a corkscrew that RL had also purchased–from the same seller.

Apparently, whilst Tommy was wrapping up the details of his purchase, the “Wineleopard,” was emailing the seller about Will & Finck and their corkscrews, and received a response explaining that they had just added another to eBay–this time with an Ivory handle! This too was placed on our second favorite auction site with a buy it now.

Two Will & Fincks from the same seller, very cool. And, very cool that two of the corkscrewteers picked them up.

But, wait…the seller listed a third Will & Finck corkscrew!

Or, more accurately, a “WILL& FINCK? WOODEN HANDLED 1860-1890,S CORK SCREW.” This one with a wooden handle and blade.

Well, it is missing its blade, and isn’t actually a Will & Finck, as the shaft of the helix is marked CAST STEEL. This too was listed with a buy it now, but the price is a bit high as far as I am concerned–it is still online, if anyone is interested.

Still, three nice corkscrews, two of which were definitely worth the price of admission.

Congrats TC and RL–nice buys! And, very nice corkscrews for your collections!!!

(I wonder if the seller has a fourth of fifth???)

13 days until Brimfield!