When I first started collecting corkscrews (21 years ago) one of my first purchases was a and 1885 Haff patent direct pull corkscrew, with PAT. APPL’D FOR incised into the metal band.
It still resides within the collection.
Of course, there have been lots of Haffs found over the years; different sizes, different handles, different worms, different markings.
But, the Haff that I have been most desirous of, is the Haff patent with spring and frame, as pictured on page 71 Fred O’Leary’s book. That example is marked, “PATENTED APL 14TH ’85 MAY 5TH ‘85”
Nine years ago, one sold on the collectorcorkscrews.com auction. I missed out, of course. And, in 21 years, I have seen exactly three… The one in O’Leary, the one sold in that auction, and one in John Morris’ collection.
Yesterday, there was one that ended on eBay, and while the eBay listing didn’t offer a description of the markings that were clearly present on the corkscrew, under what looks to be a little black paint, it is indeed marked, and once it arrives (yes, I won the auction), I will report back here with how it is marked.
I will also look into removing the black paint.
A potential best 6 candidate, it will make a nice companion to the hard to find Haff with bell assist that is already in the collection.
josef@vintagecorkscrews.com corkscrewing around 