Rare Hess Patent German Direct Pressure Mechanical Corkscrew

This is a rare unmarked German Hess patent direct pressure mechanical corkscrew, dating to the very early 20^th century. It has a turned wood handle and all other components are made of steel. It measures 6.25 inches (16 cm) in the retracted position and 9.5 inches (24 cm) with the mechanism fully extended. The handle measures 4 inches (10 cm) wide. 

The handle is joined to the top of the shank with a longitudinal pin the runs through the wooden handle. The mechanism consists of the shank and a set-screw that extends into the larger, hollowed portion of the shank to engage with the spiral groove above the worm. The lower end of the groove has a circular recess. The corkscrew operates by starting in the fully extended position; pushing down on the handle provides the pressure to insert the bladed worm into the cork. Once fully inserted, the set-screw moves into the circular recess. When the handle is then pulled upward, the set-screw engages into the top of the circular recess which then hold the worm mechanism fixed relative to the handle and allows the user to remove the cork from the bottle. The cork is then removed from the worm by holding the cork with the opposite hand and reengaging the set-screw with the groove to reverse its operation.

A Hess patent rarely is offered for sale. I could find no listings of a Hess patent from previous ICCA auction sales.

There are few condition issues to mention. There are two cracks along the wood grain on the bottom of the handle as a result of age, but the handle is structurally sound. The piece is in overall excellent condition. The worm is full length and sharp. It operates smoothly and is fully functional.