Type

Mechanical corkscrew

Mark

"COLUMBUS" is engraved on the head of the cage

Description

The Columbus corkscrew was patented in Germany by Edouard Becker de Solingen on March 7, 1893 (n° 70879). But why Becker did it choose this name? Some bring a lyric note to this baptism by comparing the ring with Christophe Colomb expedition who joined together Europe and America symbolized together by the two mobile frames. The true reason is perhaps commercial since we were in full commemoration when Becker invented this model. There are three versions of this corkscrew with :

1. Full frame steel, wood handle painted in black and a spring of repulsion on the shank,
2. Buckled plate frame, wood handle painted in black and a spring of repulsion on the shank,,
3. Full frame and handle steel equipped with a ball bearing.

The mobile and sliding ring comes to close the cage during the use. To give off the cork, the ring is raised thus releasing the cage which opens in two parts facilitating the extraction of the cork.

Length

Overall length: 4.7 inches (12 centimeters)
Handle: 3.34 inches (8,5 centimeters)
Worm: 2.36 inches (6 centimeters)

Weight

3.77 ounces (107 grammes)

Valuation

38 USD (32 €) - Last valuation august 19, 2007

Bibliography

The ultimate corkscrew book: page 64
Korkenzieher Horst Dippel: page 74
Mechanical corkscrew Ferd Peters: page 97
La folie des tire-bouchons: page 187
Corkscrews Fred O'Leary: page 87
L'arte dei cavatappi: page 103
Corkscrew stories vol. 1: page 105
German corkscrew registration DRGM 1891-2000: page 50