Folding Bow Corkscrew Value Guide

The Folding Bow Corkscrew is a quintessential Victorian-era travel accessory, prized for its ingenious design that allowed the sharp worm to tuck safely into a forged steel handle. These compact tools represent the 19th-century peak of Sheffield craftsmanship, serving as essential portable wine openers for travelers and picnickers.

What Is Folding Bow Corkscrew Worth?

The typical price range for Folding Bow Corkscrew is $65 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the worm, specifically ensuring the tip is sharp and not broken or blunted.
• The tightness of the folding hinge mechanism and whether the bow remains securely closed.
• Presence of original manufacturer stamps or decorative file work on the steel handle.
• Overall preservation of the forged steel surface, with higher values for pieces lacking heavy pitting.

How to Identify Folding Bow Corkscrew?

• Look for the characteristic 'bow' or 'harp' shaped handle made of heavy forged steel.
• Verify that the central worm folds smoothly into the center of the handle frame.
• Check for potential maker marks indicating origins in Sheffield, England, or Solingen, Germany.
• Examine the steel for a dark, aged patina consistent with late 19th-century metalwork.

History of Folding Bow Corkscrew

These compact tools emerged in the 19th century as portable wine openers for travelers and picnickers. The 'bow' design was a breakthrough in portability, allowing the sharp worm to fold into the handle to protect the user's pocket. They were commonly manufactured in Sheffield, England, and Solingen, Germany, during the height of the Victorian era.