Antique English Roundlet Travelling Corkscrew Late 19thcentury

 An English roundlet corkscrew made of a nickel plated brass case with fancy shank and beautiful tapered grooved helix worm with point intact. Its in good condition for a late 19th Century corkscrew but does have various marks and small scratches on the outer case (see pictures).

The shank is mounted on a brass swivel which turns 90^o and slides back into the case allowing the whole worm to be enclosed.

It was ideal for travel in a pocket or handbag

Dimensions

7cm long (2.75") in the closed position and 1.3cm (1/2”) diameter, the length along the worm is 7cm (2.75”) when open. The worm is 4cm (1.5”) long. The groove in the worm helps grip.

Background

This type of corkscrew, known as a 'roundlet', was patented by William Lund and William Hipkins on 2nd April 1855.  It is particularly practical as a travelling corkscrew as it can be pocketed without any chance of sharp elements making holes in the pocket! This is a later “copy” probably around 1890