Here for your consideration is an antique and quite rare, original, circa 1880s, celluloid, stocking striped, (red and cream) ladies legs corkscrew that was made in Germany and stamped Registrirt, complete with modern black velvet display/presentation box.

A stunning piece of quirky, novelty, 19th century German workmanship. Considering this corkscrew is 142 years old it's in very nice undamaged condition. It does have some age-related plating loss/patina/ patination, commensurate with its age, but nothing unusual !!

Ladies legs corkscrews ...

These highly collectable corkscrews were primarily made from celluloid, a durable synthetic plastic. They originate from Germany. Registered as a design in January 1894, registration number 21718, by Steinfield and Reimer, although it is recorded that they were manufactured in Germany before the registered date and as early as the 1880's. Ladies legs corkscrews were manufactured up until the 1920's.

Trade ads for these ladies legs corkscrews, advertised "Ballet corkscrews" or "Can-can corkscrews". There are a vast number of variations of colours, type and makers marks. Some of the makers marks are Registered Germany, E. Reimer, Gesetzlich Geschutzt, Jahn and Co 1873, Henry Boker, Comfort SRD, Graef and Schmidt, and W. H. Morley & Sons.

Celluloid ...

Celluloid was the first synthetic plastic material. In 1856 it was synthesised by British Chemist Alexander Parkes (1831-1890). John Wesley Hyatt (1837-1920) of Starkey New York developed it as a commercial product in 1869. Celluloid is produced from a mixture of cellulose nitrate and camphor. It is a strong, durable product which can be produced in many colours. Common products made from celluloid include combs, brushes, dentures, billiard balls, and figural corkscrews.

Dimensions as follows

Length: 2.75 inches or 6.6 cm

Width: 1.25  inches or 3.1 cm 

Depth: 7 mm 

Weight: 46 grams or 1.6 oz

This is as good as it gets with regards to novelty corkscrews. How many of these have you seen? An extremely rare find indeed. I've only got one and once it's gone ... it's gone. If there's one thing I've learned about antiques/collectables when items are of quality and extremely rare he who hesitates usually loses out.

What you’re purchasing here is a stunning corkscrew of real quality. Please take care to look at all 12 photos with regards this stunning item to fully appreciate this beautiful corkscrew.

These rare, novelty, ladies legs, corkscrews are so highly collectable and would add value to any collection. A stylish corkscrew that has stunning detailed decoration. A real must for any serious collector. Rare, late 19th century corkscrews have become so very collectable and are really appreciating in value. 

This would make a superb gift. Ideal for impressing your friends over a bottle of wine.

The antique novelty corkscrew will be sent out recorded, special delivery with insurance.

Please note, all our international postal charges are only estimates and will be confirmed and altered up or down when we know the destination of where items are being sent. please also note we only charge actual costs of postage and packaging with insurance, no more.

Please feel free to look at my other items.