vince gill and a couple of corkscrews

the lovely and I headed down to Cohasset last night to see Vince Gill. He was pretty amazing (and funny). It was in a very small venue, which made for a pleasant intimate concert.

Before we left, however, a box came from the "divesting collector." And inside were four corkscrews. A carved alligator, carved wild boar, fantastic Gorham rococo frame, and a Theiry and Croselmire… I will put better pictures on the website later today, but here are some photos to get the corkscrew-pavlovian juices going!

I will have to wait until the 14th for the Tucker…

the good old days

Every once in a while, I run into a long time corkscrew collector who will regale me with stories of the good old days; of days finding Tucker patents for 18 dollars at Brimfield, of having to make several trips back and forth to the car to off load the 100’s of corkscrews found, of hootch owls for a pittance.

While I am sure the good old days were quite good. I believe fantastic finds are still out there. It is the reason we all keep looking. The reason we still get up in the wee hours of the morning to drive countless miles to tiny flea markets and antique fairs that might have a hidden gem or treasure.

And, over the course of the last few months, I would have to say the good old days haven’t passed us by. While it may not be a Tucker for 18 dollars, nor 100’s in one locale, there have been fantastic finds made by several of the usual suspects.

BT finds a woodman’s patent at an antique mall in Lake Placid, NY

Tommy finds a small collection, including a syroco monk and power cone.

I scored the J. Plant two pillar for a song–although, I didn’t actually sing.

And, day before yesterday, Marky Mark found a fantastic chinnock corkscrew in Baltimore. While not marked, it is a dead ringer for the illustration in Ferd’s mechanical corkscrew book, page 78. Some restoration will have to be done to the handle…but, it is awesome! (and pictured below)

These may not be "the good old days…" But, they are pretty close!

Mummy for me, and a few others for the rest of you

Well, it looks as though Tommy’s deal will also benefit yours truly, as I picked up the Mumford that was in the current collection he is buying. But, never fear good people of corkscrew-dom. A friend called today to offer me 6 corkscrews.

Pictures will be posted and emailed after the pieces arrive in a couple of days, but there will be a rather lovely Theiry and Crosselmire, a carved boar’s head stag with glass eyes and sterling adornments, a carved alligator–this one is unusual, as it was described to be an alligator sitting on a log as opposed to the alligator resting on a piece of horn/stag…I am looking forward to that one. Also there is supposed to be another rather large carved horn, and Rococo Rollover piece that is marked for Gorham.

And, hold on to your hats….a Tucker! The Tucker is actually coming in two weeks, but soon enough!

Tommy Scores a Collection

Tommy got emailed the other day and was offered several corkscrews. One being a Syroco Monk. Well, the pictures were finally sent to him, and it looks as though he scored in a bigger way! A five tool bow, clough power cone, mumford, and the aforementioned clown are all in the collection.

way to go TC!

semester starts today

The weather has been changing, and it is beginning to feel a little like fall; squirrels busy at work. I am sure we will have some hot days ahead, but this past week you could feel it in the air, and quickly August is coming to a close.

And today, Fall semester begins where I teach. Not that I have to be there, as my classes don’t start until tomorrow. None the less, Summer is officially over, and it is back to the classroom.

Interestingly enough, next week also begins a season of corkscrewing! A week from Tuesday Brimfield starts, and we have yet to find out how many corkscrew collectors will be camping out at our place. And, shortly after Brimfield the CCCC meeting is in Chattanooga, then the ICCA meeting in Williamsburg. These meetings will be followed up with a bit of antiquing in Paris, and then the ICCA online auction after that.

I am sure I will actually get some teaching (and dissertating) done in between these events…

As for other goings on:

The restaurant collection is pretty much completed, and we are now figuring out timing for the installation. When a date is agreed upon, I will drive 20+ corkscrews down to Atlantic City and meet up with the designers and work out the display (pictures will be taken!)

And, I will be making more coffee momentarily.

arrivals and J. PLANT

Don Bull emailed to explain that J. Plant was one of the Wolverhampton Plants–those of W & J Plant (Cutlers), the Wulfruna (Patented by Stephan Plant in 1884) and Plant’s Magic (Patented by William Plant in 1905).

I do find it interesting, the latest find would only have "J. Plant" as a signature. For the time being, I am going to work under the assumption that it was early in on the Plant corkscrew dynasty. Hopefully some answers will be discovered soon, as I have started researching the Wolverhampton Plant’s history… (Boy, do I really need the semester to start).

The syroco monk lux clock arrived today, as did the pair of Yankee # 1 bar screws… I am still waiting on a stylized cat Bosse corkscrew, but given it is making its trek from Austria, it could take a little while longer.

worth the drive

The other day I was offered two "iron corckscrews" via email. I opened the attached photos, and was quite intrigued with one of the pieces. But, for some reason, it just didn’t look right. I grabbed Don’s book, then Ferd’s, then Bert’s…the helix simply didn’t match up. I forwarded the email to Don, and he verified my suspicions…the helix should be less bladed and more wire like (the picture with the greenish background is what the person sent)

I called the seller and talked with him about it. We discussed his asking price, and I figured it would be worth it to drive over and check it out. And, I am glad I did. the photo that made the corkscrew look like it was bladed was merely due to dust and poor lighting.

The helix is indeed quite right–sharp even (ouch)–and the piece is marked J. PLANT.

Unless someone offers some healthy tradebait, this may make the best 6 of the year! An awesome corkscrew!

two pillar and two yankees

well, the drive to Connecticut was put off, and we will figure out when I will get to see the aforementioned two pillar corkscrew in person. Until then however, another deal was struck and two yankee corkscrew no. 1’s are on their way to 16 Kingston. Yes, 2 of them! Anyone need an extra…looks like I have one for trade!

offers at 4 in the morning

So, I get up this morning, pour myself some coffee, and check email before I start getting back to dissertating. And, there it was a corkscrew (actually two) being offered to me. This cat sent the pictures at 4:12 this morning–now, I am an early riser, but that is crazy!

That said, a deal has already been worked out and the corkscrew pictured below will be awaiting my arrival. An interesting piece for a very very fair price!

a great gallery show!

last night was the gallery opening, and a good time was had by all. A few pieces sold, and it was fun answering the visitors questions. 25 of the corkscrews will be left at the gallery for the next couple of weeks, and I am bringing a few home with me–hopefully to use as tradebait with the small gathering of corkscrew folk who will be staying with us for Brimfield.

I did manage to pick up a syroco monk clock online, and he will also be placed into the trade pile as soon as he arrives.

The lovely bride just hopped on the boat to head back to the mainland, and I will head home myself tomorrow. Maybe I can hit a couple of antique shops along the way down!