I've been waiting for today for about 8 weeks now.  There was a Chicago World Fair Memorabilia Show at a local hotel.  I was really hoping to find a Columbus or a M-73 corkscrew but came up empty handed.  Oh well, better luck next year.

On the brighter side of things I did find an interesting piece at the show.  I spotted a scottie dog figurine amongst the souvenirs.  As I moved in for a closer look, it was clearly a SYROCO SCOTTIE DOG, same size as the corkscrew version, with an advertising sticker "1934 Century of Progress Chicago".  How cool is that!  Chicago, Syroco, what more could I have asked for in a piece?!  Oh, a corkscrew would have been nice..... 

Last week I spotted this piece online and casually placed a conservative snipe in the usual manor.  When I discovered that I had actually won the item, I was shocked!  Well, he arrived from California late last night, but catching up on my beauty sleep and almost being late for work, I left the package outside until I returned.  He did survive the flurries, wind, and cold.  I didn't expect him to arrive so quickly!  He is much warmer now, and forgives me.  I don't recall reading anything about him having sterling studs or a sterling cap, but I'm NOT complaining!  Just sharing my surprise!

I've been searching for about 3 years for this little guy.  I believe the track records as follows:  Rejected trade offers 4 times.  Out bid 3 times.  Won, Seller Never Responded for invoice totals 1 time.  Finally - win and seller actually sends out item before payment received.  I'm sure the next time you see this baby featured in a photo shoot, it will be for my Best 6 2008!

P.S.
It was brought to my attention that there was one other missed opportunity during a bloody golf game!

As if Easter in March isn't odd enough.....There's still snow here in Chicago!

Happy Easter!

For some reason or another, this double lever is very curious.  It features an Owl Head on top of an Italian double lever corkscrew.  It is featured on a fellow collectors website for like $300!!  I've was fortunate to pick this guy up for much less than that, but why $300?  He will make his Ebay debut on Sunday, if my sleep schedule allows.  It's been rough working at 2am all week long!  Hope you guys are getting lucky on Ebay while I'm catching up on beauty sleep.  Goodness I need all the help I can get!

This little guy must have been "passed out" forever!   He arrived over the weekend in great shape.  He is in NEW condition and still in his original box which is also in LIKE NEW condition.  He's not the most sought after piece, but very cool to have in box.  I think I have 3 in house right now.  Anyone want to trade?

I'm still looking for Ross Pigs.  I posted an ad on the CCCC board, but no offers.  :-(   If you have any, please drop me a line at SyrocoKid@gmail.com  I'm interested in buying or trading for them.  All colors welcome!  Especially BLUE!

FYI....I listed on Ebay this weekend.  A Dowler Thomason with Spike, a Schlitz Globe, and a Syroco Indian to name a few.  Check'em out at:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZsyrocokidQQfrppZ50QQfsopZ32QQfsooZ2QQrdZ0

Well you can add 2 more Flashes to the list!  Goodness when was the last time I got one......oh, last week!  I think there are about 6 currently listed, so wish me luck.  I have great faith in my EZSNIPER.  It performed well this weekend and won a Gucci Roundlet (over Josef) and won a Krueger beer corkscrew with the Bakelite advertising plate on the handle.  Josef's AUCTIONSNIPER failed him on that auction bid.  I mentioned the Krueger about 3 weeks ago and am happy to report that I won this one for about $100 less!

Also arriving via USPS was a Toolmaster.  You should be able to bid away on this fine collectible as I plan to list on Sunday morning.

I am very happy to report that I was able to snap up a Barmaid with the original box (sorry Josef  :-P  ) for a good BIN price yesterday .  Last weekend and again earlier today I had snipes set for a Syroco Painted Bartender Opener.  I won each auction ( 2 of them ) for under $4 each!!  Finally all these late night hours are paying off.  I will now have 3 of these guys.  Hmmmm........  Current inventory:  3 Syroco Bartenders, 4 Syroco Waiters, 2 Barmaids, and 2 Barmen.  Anyone want to open a restaurant? 

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes!  I did survive yesterday.  Lots of friends, Lots of food, and Lots of gifts.  Thank you everyone!  I was at work on time (despite the time change) and eager to begin my "thirties".  A special THANK YOU to my best friend Scott for the new 22" monitor!  This will surly enhance my corkscrew hunting capabilities. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8nVj0Eqhv4


Not my best blog ever......Corny, but appropriate.

Straight from NYC, the Williamson Burgundy!  I've rarely seen this one on Ebay, but good thing Josef referred it to me on another collectors website.  Keep'em coming Mr. Mailman! 

Today is "Monday" for me, but only for two days, as I'm off on Saturday for my birthday.  I will officially be IN my thirties.  31!  There are thousands of corkscrews that are over 30 years old, and probably hundreds of collectors over 30 years old, but I wonder how many collectors have been collecting for over 30 years?

Well, there has been some rumors and lots of talk, but here it is!  The ICCA has really taken Corkscrew Collecting to the next level!  They now have their own auction website for Corkscrew Collectors to offer fine to rare pieces up for auction.  This is a private forum where collectors can really feel safe about what they are buying and also weeds out all those lower end corkscrews as the minimum listing is for $100.  So hurry up and file your taxes as the first real auction is scheduled for April 27-May 4 2008.  Check it out at: 

http://auction.icca-corkscrew.com/index.asp

The mailman has been very good to me lately.  Item's are arriving within 2 weeks of post dates, and most notably I received confirmation that, a presumed lost Hollweg,  did in fact arrive safely to Italy.  Whew!  It only took 3 months with Priority Mail!  Hang in there Josef!  I still have faith in the post system that your Dico will turn up.  Just don't hold your breath.

JBay has some nice items listed at:

http://vintagecorkscrews.com/forsale.htm

and late last night Don posted some on his site.  Check'em out!  if there's any left

http://www.bullworks.net/cssales/

It's been a long 24 hours since I've been online.  Very unusual for me as I'm usually burning through my bookmarks roughly 4-6 times a day.  My cable modem was misdiagnosed as being the problem.  I guess it was just a temporary outage in the area.   Since I only have a cell phone, I couldn't even do a dial-up connection.  I feel SO ALIVE!!!

In the mail box.....
Another Flash will be added to the collection.  It's from Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Also, from over seas, is a SEXY all metal handle direct pull.  It features a very sleek bladed helix, and clearly stamped "J S   PERRINE & SONS"


Good progress is being made on my website.  Check it out!

www.CorkscrewChicago.com