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Antique Old Tucker Brown-Forman Wooden Keg Corkscrew Opener - Bonnert-Vogeler - Pat. Oct. 16, 1900
About This Item:
This is a scarce antique wooden keg-form advertising corkscrew / bottle opener for Old Tucker whiskey, marked Brown-Forman Co. Distillers, Louisville, KY. One side shows the Brown-Forman advertising text and the slogan “A Good Bar Whiskey”, while the other side shows a wooden keg graphic with Old Tucker printed on one keg end.
The piece is made of wood with a metal corkscrew worm that pulls out from the body. It is also marked The Bonnert-Vogeler Co. Balto. and Pat. Oct. 16, 1900. The miniature wooden keg form, whiskey advertising, maker mark, and corkscrew patent connection make this a standout early barware and advertising piece.
This example appears to be unused/new old stock, with mostly crisp graphics and text. The wood body and metal corkscrew worm show light age/storage wear, but the piece does not appear to have seen normal use. Listed as used due to age and because prior use cannot be confirmed.
Advertised Brand History:
Brown-Forman is one of the major names in Kentucky whiskey history. The company traces its roots to Louisville, Kentucky, where George Garvin Brown built the business around bottled whiskey at a time when consistency and authenticity were major selling points.
Old Tucker was one of Brown-Forman’s historic whiskey labels. Research into the mark shows Brown-Forman adoption and use of Old Tucker as early as 1892, giving this piece strong appeal as an early Brown-Forman / Louisville whiskey advertising item rather than a generic corkscrew novelty.
The small wooden keg graphic and “A Good Bar Whiskey” slogan are especially fitting for whiskey advertising. The piece combines a compact barrel/keg display form with a pull-out corkscrew, giving it crossover appeal for whiskey advertising collectors, Brown-Forman collectors, corkscrew collectors, and early barware collectors.
Maker / Patent Notes:
The piece is marked The Bonnert-Vogeler Co. Balto., indicating Bonnert-Vogeler Co. of Baltimore. It is also marked Pat. Oct. 16, 1900. That date corresponds to William Rockwell Clough’s U.S. Patent No. 659,649 for a machine for making corkscrews.
The pull-out wire corkscrew worm also fits into earlier Clough-related corkscrew history, including William Crabb’s U.S. Patent No. 337,309, issued March 2, 1886. The patent history relates to the corkscrew construction/manufacturing side of the piece, while the advertising value comes from the Old Tucker / Brown-Forman whiskey branding.
Form / Variant Notes:
This is a scarce miniature wooden keg-form advertising corkscrew for Old Tucker whiskey and Brown-Forman Co. The form displays like a small whiskey keg while concealing a pull-out metal corkscrew worm, making it both a functional barware piece and a compact advertising novelty.
This example stands out for its mostly crisp graphics, readable maker and patent markings, and unusually clean presentation. It is priced based on Old Tucker / Brown-Forman advertising appeal, limited availability, patent/maker interest, and condition.
Condition:
Excellent antique condition with mostly crisp graphics and text. Appears unused/new old stock, but listed as used due to age and because prior use cannot be confirmed. Wood body and metal corkscrew worm show light age/storage wear. Please review all photos closely for condition, markings, and details.
Included:
One antique Old Tucker / Brown-Forman wooden keg corkscrew bottle opener only. No box, paperwork, or additional items included.
Packing & Shipping:
Packed with care. I’m happy to combine shipping whenever possible. If you purchase multiple items the same day and overcharges shipping, I will refund the combined shipping difference after packing.
