Rare Alvord & Brown American Patent

This corkscrew was patented in the U.S. by Seymour Alvord and Edward Brown of Winsted, Connecticut on April 16 1889. The patented function is a clutch action. Once the corkscrew is inserted, two teeth at the top of the threaded tube engage matching notches at the bottom of the metal handle (see photo insert). Continuing to turn the handle causes the shaft to raise and extract the cork. Interestingly, the design does not appear to have incorporated any stop so that the threaded shaft will come out of the frame if it is turned far enough.

I consider this piece to be in very good to excellent condition with most of the plating intact. The webbed helix is full and sharp. Though a few of these Alvord and Brown corkscrews have been found with patent markings, I can find no markings on this example.

See photo and Peters, Mechanical Corkscrews, page130, and O’Leary, page 80.

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Note--U.S. buyers —Please DO NOT use Paypal. Payment by check or money order is preferred. Please see further payment, postage and insurance information below.

Postage–:For this item, postage is a flat rate $11.05 ($14.50/2 lbs or $17.75/3 lbs). This includes insurance up to $300 value (if desired), and Delivery Confirmation. For values over $300, please add an additional $5.55 for values up to $400; $6.50 for values $400.01 to $500; $7.45 for values $500.01 to $600, $8.40 for values $600.01 to $700 and $9.35 for values $700.01 to $800. For final values over $800, I recommend Registered Mail. I combine shipping for multiple items. Please note that once mailed, I can not be responsible for damage or loss. By bidding, buyers agree to accept all risk. In the unlikely event of a problem, I will provide insurance and postage receipts for the buyer to file the insurance claim with the post office. Please be assured, however, that I packer well, and always attach the mailing information securely to the item inside the package should it become separated.

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Postage–Since the U.S. Postal Service offers a number of options for international postage, depending on the level of security desired and customs issues, please contact me well before the close of auction for available options and an estimate of costs. The cost of postage will include the purchase of a Certificate of Mailing. Since I can not be responsible once I have mailed the item, by bidding the bidder agrees to accept all risk of damage or loss, and that in the unlikely event of such problem, I will only be responsible for providing the buyer with the postage receipt and the Certificate of Mailing as proof the item was mailed. Please be assured, however, that I pack well, and always attach the mailing address securely to the item inside the package should it become separated.  

The invoice will include all costs and payment information. I usually email invoices within 24 hours of the close of the auction.

Please email any questions before bidding at wirehelix@yahoo.com.