BEST SIX 2005 - EARLY BARREL ROUNDLET
This is a beautiful barrel roundlet made of steel. According to Bert Giulian's "Corkscrews of
the Eighteenth Century - Artistry in Iron and Steel the roundlet ("runlet") is a variant of the double-hinged corkscrew.
"The circular markings resemble the staves of a barrel. The barrel is hinged and encloses the steel corkscrew for portability.
After the barrel is unfolded, teh barrel becomes the 'T' handle and is closed over the upper shank, securely locking it in an opening
in the roundlet. The lower shank and worm snap into position with a spring lock."
According to Watney & Babbidge's "Corkscrews for Collectors" this roundlet was the forerunner of the popular roundlet we know today.
In the unique W&B description, "By the middle of the century, an elongated form had taken its place, the popularity
of which continued to grow, coincident with the rise to fame of George Brummell. Its evident fashionableness, has led some in America
of recent years to call it a "Beau Brummell'."
An interesting feature of this corkscrew is the archimedean worm, which may suggest a European heritage. I have only seen one other
version with an archimedean worm in a Christie's catalog.
I bought this from a private collection.
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