I've must admit that the Anri Collectors are pretty obsessive as us corkscrew collectors!  Well, when there's a corkscrew attached, it can really complicate things as BOTH parties get eager.....  I don't really collect Anri, per say, but I do enjoy selling them off to support my addiction!  I've heard talk about the dog in this piece to maybe be an "add on", but as it just arrived on the Island, I beg to differ.  Offers anyone?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, it's that time of year!  The Holidays!  I really LOVE this time of year, but it's always so crazy, and fast paced, that they can almost pass you up!

Well, here are the latest arrivals to the Island!  A FANTASTIC Korkmaster!  Since I've never owned one, fully marked, clean, scratch free....I must say FANTASTIC :-)   Also, a Gemelli Patent Clown, in nice shape.  AND a rarely seen Penguin.  Properly known as a 1933,  Kurt Rettich American Patent corkscrew w/ bakelite sheath.  Last but certianly not least.... another Flash!

Though ebay sales were soft for me this weekend, there were MANY deals to be had!  I was able to score a Bone handled L'Excelsior.  Meanwhile an Amor Kissing Couple AND a Strait Patent were snatched right under my nose!  Kudos to MW and JLA!  It was an intense Saturday that I will not soon forget....

This isn't going as planned, but today will be Syroco Sunday!

I was saving this piece to "show and tell" this past Sunday.  I found yet another Tie Rack thingy.  But this one is of the German Shepherd!  I LOVE that it is painted white, as SO much Syroco is in the plain stain.  It's very similar to the Bull Dog one that I found a few weeks ago, but with a slight variation to the plaque.  It's actually covered in a "textured leather like plastic".  Wait a minute!  So is the Bull Dog one!  Interesting.....  Both have remains of a leather strap for hanging on the wall.  Another nice "go-with" to add to the collection.

No deliveries to the Island in a couple days.  I guess I will have to bid more! 

The bi-annual ICCA Corkscrew Auction is over.  Many rare and hard to find pieces were sold off to eager collectors.  Thanks to all the bidders and sellers as it's always an exciting time to see so many corkscrews!

I was able to list several items on Ebay, so be sure to check them out!  Just CLICK HERE

Recently I snapped up this unusual multi-tool, which of course had a corkscrew attached.  It turns out to be a 1918 W.M. Moore Patent.  It's stamped "B.M. Shipman Importer New York"  "Foxhead Mackerel"  "Foxhead Haddock".  Also found in O'Leary p. 133.  My best guess would be that it was a sailor's pocket tool.  One more American Patent in the collection!  Lot's to go!

Today started out very early, as my projected hunting grounds were about 5 hours away.  I was about a half hour from home, feeling optimistic an very excited, until I was pulled over for speeding.  Apparently, "I have to get to the antique mall to get my corkscrew before Mr. X gets it!" is not a good excuse to speed.  Whatever!

The day was pretty slow as my targeted area was not as clustered as it looked on Google, but there were several shops discovered along the way that were not listed.  Probably due to a lack of Antique Corkscrew Inventory!  CLEAR!!

Other than ONE booth, it was slip pick'ens today.  Until the very last shop, right at the stroke of 5 pm, in a case tucked in the corner.  A weird wire corkscrew was on display.  Ah, yes, that would be a Woodman's Patent!  Shortly after a bit of haggling I was on the road with No. 5 of my best 6 for 2009! 

A bottle opener will be sacrificed as thanks to the Corkscrew Gods!

I decided to hit up the neighboring town of Tacoma today.  I must admit that I was pretty excited to enter the first mall as it was over 55,000 sq ft!  But 90 min later, I walked out empty handed.  Maybe I should be collecting various types of glass, as there is A LOT of it in the malls!  I'm hitting the road again tomorrow.  I hope the Corkscrew Gods have a Copper Plated Lund Lever in the original box!  Or maybe a Crosby Pup!  I hope I can get some sleep......I'm TOO EXCITED NOW! 

Here is something you don't see every day!  It's a Syroco Old Codger.  BUT with an interesting paint variation.  He features a red bow tie and a red stripe on his hat, which is SO uncommon, actually never seen before, it naturally raises questions......  Well, when I saw it on Ebay, I didn't even care!  It's Syroco, has a corkscrew, painted a cool variation, and it's MINE! 

I've seen this piece several times over the year at auction.  Heck, I've bid on it almost every single time!  and lost obviously.....BUT today one has arrived on the Island!  I can't believe how small it is!  So many corkscrews (in this case "Prong Puller") often "appear much larger" in photos, than they actually are in your hands.  It also comes with a matching "tiny" box.  How cute?!

I usually only publish items that are "in hand" but I WON THE SYROCO INDIAN!!  SO EXCITED!!

Ah yes!  My First 4 Pillar King's Rack arrived on the Island today from the UK!  Thanks PB!  Also in the package was a Negbaur Pig and a very unique Clough.  I think the King's Rack will be number 4 for the Best 6 for 2009 :-)

 

Today was the Puyallup Antique Show.  I noticed very quickly that the same dealers that were at the Portland show I attended 2 weeks ago were ALL in attendance here too.  Rats!  I decided to burn through the isles quickly so I could move on to the Malls and Shops of Puyallup. There were some very nice Ivory w/sterling pieces, but not at bargain prices.....  I did walk out with this Anri Bar set though.  On to the shops!

Puyallup was swamped with collectors as each one hit the show first and then the local malls.  After 3 malls and 2 shops.....CLEAR!!

To make the most of my day, I hurried to Olympia, WA.  I've had these hunting grounds on the radar for some time now.  Luky me!  3 flashes in the first two malls!  Of course they were all from Washingon State.  Then the score of the day!  A 1867 McGill Patent!  I guess I have number 3 of my 2009 Best 6 safely home on the Island!  It may have been raining cats and dogs for Washington, but the Corkscrew Gods were shining on me!

The good news is that I covered the "honey hole" and then some today.  Bad news, is that I come home empty handed.  I guess the corkscrew gods are making me wait till the antique show tomorrow.  SWEET!!  I can't hardly wait!!

The mailman did have a couple screws to deliver.  First was a sexy pair of ladies legs!  I'm sure they will make for great Christmas present this year to one lucky collector.  Also was another Flash.  Did you know the Empire State Building is 1,472 Feet High!

I've had my pink slip from the mailman, notifying me of a package at the post office, riding in the car now for about 5 days!  Between School, work, and corkscrewing around, I didn't get to pick it up until today!  Awaiting my arrival was a nice little Perile Beehive corkscrew!  Minus the bees of course.  It's got a very tight spring that forms a barrel.  Hard to find in such nice condition.

Check out this cool website   http://www.tire-bouchons.fr/    If you can read French, I'm sure you'll enjoy this corkscrew site!  Unfortunately, the only French I know is French Toast, French Fries, and French Kiss!!

I stopped by the local antique mall today for a quicky, but came out empty handed :-(   But some interesting information was discovered.....  Apparently, there is another corkscrew collector making rounds on my turf!  Yes, a "old brass barrel corkscrew with a family seal" was sold to the competition!  So "Mr. X", if you're reading this, email me @ syrocokid@gmail.com. 

A Brown Mermaid has arrived from the UK!  I'm glad to have one again, as BT got my last one.  Also, my first ever Le Presto Single Lever came all the way from Arizona!  A trade was arranged with RL for a Gemeli Clown and $.  Thanks again RL!  Always a pleasure! 

These two are the first entries for my Best 6 of 2009!  At least for now....   Only 4 more to go!

P.S.
Did you vote for Obama?  I did!