Raise A Toast: Collecting Vintage Cocktail and Barware
By Daniele Gair -
Many a Sunday afternoon has found me deeply engrossed in 1930s-Era detective stories, and two of my favorite sleuths are the swanky and stylish stars of the Thin Man series, Nick and Nora Charles. To my eyes, this couple had it all, from witty repartee to stylish cloths, and they exhibited a smooth sophistication, matched only by their talent for detection. Their Jazz Age glamour was enhanced by a stunning array of Art Deco accessories, most particularly an ever-present cocktail bar. Although their drinking wasn’t always that glamorous, their excellent taste in barware, with glimmering shakers and delicate martini and champagne glasses, was truly intoxicating.
A Harald Nielsen silver cocktail shaker, circa 1925, $6,000-$8,000. (Photo, courtesy of Alastair Crawford, LLC.)
When one thinks of barware, one’s first thought goes to the enigmatic cocktail shaker. Though the origins of the cocktail are unclear and often vigorously disputed, the shaker is without a doubt an American invention. Its roots go back to the 19th Century, when bartenders would mix drinks by placing the mouth of a smaller glass into a larger one and shaking, no doubt adding a splash of drama to the service. Soon, the best drinking establishments had shakers of silver and silver plate, and makers like Tiffany, Cartier and Asprey were producing stylish models in limited editions. More economical versions were made of nickel, nickel-plate and glass. By the 1930s and ‘40s, many more designers like Russel Wright and industrial and theater designer Norman Bel Geddes included cocktail shakers in their catalogues. Popular themes began to emerge, such as the rooster, which had been associated with the drinking and drinking establishments for many years.
Many iconic shakers were created before World War II, designs which have inspired legions of imitations. For instance, Harald Nielsen, brother-in-law and artist for celebrated Danish silver designer Georg Jensen, crafted a silver cocktail shaker with a seedpod finial, circa 1925, which today is worth $6,000-$8,000. Another Scandinavian designer, Count Sigvard Bernadotte, who was a member of the Swedish royal family, crafted a silver jug-shaped cocktail shaker, circa 1937-38, valued between $7,000 and $9,000 (“Art Deco,” Miller.) Again, less expensive models were often made of silver and nickel plate or glass with metal tops, but were no less inventive in style. They ranged from the straightforward to the outlandish, some resembling ladies legs or depicting comical cartoon scenes of inebriated gentlemen, to name just a few.
Perhaps the most famous cocktail shakers were inspired by the Industrial Age. The airplane and Graf Zeppelin models are instantly recognizable icons of style and efficiency. These models are self-contained bars, fitting cups, funnels, strainers, decanters, spoons, and even an ice pick within their aerodynamic bodies. Originals in good shape can command steep prices. For example, an original 23-piece airplane set, made circa 1928 and stamped “Germany,” is worth between $12,000 and $18,000. Architecture was another source of inspiration for shakers and shaker sets, as the skylines of major cities were changed by the building of taller and taller buildings, affecting the very way in which life was lived. One such set is the highly coveted Manhattan serving set, created in 1936 by Bel Geddes, who was believed to have been inspired by the NYC skyline. Considered by many collectors to be the pinnacle of any collection, this set contains a shaker, tray and eight cups. Complete sets are extraordinarily rare, and one such set sold at Christie’s for $3,200 in 1991. Another prime example is the No. 5833 Beverage Set by industrial designer Lurelle Guild. Designed circa 1928 and originally sold for $44.50, a complete set can command a price of $12,000-$16,000.*
A German novelty Ladies' Legs corkscrew, circa 1920, nickel-mounted with green-and- white striped Bakelite. (Photo, Bonhams)
By the 1940s, shakers crafted of chrome-plated stainless steel with Bakelite trim first appeared. These models were perfect for home entertainment and are some of the most coveted today. In fact, some of these gems may still be found right underneath your nose. Thanks to the earlier generation’s enthusiasm for these wonderful objects, many a valuable shaker has been found hidden in an attic, basement, or closet.
The best shakers were made pre-World War II, before all metal was appropriated for the war effort. When buying, make sure, above all, that the item is in good condition. Look for marked silver, dents, and scratches, or on plated shakers, look for wearing or flaking. Glass shakers should be investigated thoroughly for any chipping or cracks. Remember, these items will be used as well as admired, so do your research and make your choices wisely!
Just as a bar is not a bar without a shaker, no cocktail or barware collection is complete without a corkscrew or two. Like shakers, these handy devices come in every shape and size and hold particular interest for the more mechanically-inclined collector for their ingenuity.
An International Silver Company silverplate Boston Lighthouse cocktail shaker, circa 1927. (Photo, Bonhams & Butterfields)
The history of the corkscrew is undeniably tied to the history of wine. Until the mid-1700s, bottles of wine were extremely delicate and were stopped with cork or wood wrapped in coarse linen and wax to protect the bottle and create an airtight seal. These seals could be easily removed, but after the development of heavier bottles and protective wrapping was discarded, cork stoppers proved to be the most practical for storage. Corks were often cut larger that the bottle opening and warmed to fit it, creating an even tighter seal and, in the case of champagne, helping to produce the necessary carbonation. Thus was posed the question of removal of the cork. For such a seemingly simple problem came thousands of solutions.
The first corkscrews were basic twist-and-pull or direct-pull models, made with simple of decorative handles of fine materials like gold and mother-of-pearl. Meant to be carried in a pocket, these are often found with decorative covers to protect both the worm, or screw, and the carrier. Gradually, these evolved into folding models, or bows. More mechanical corkscrews, developed mainly in the 19th Century, include accordion-like compound lever designs like the French “Tric-Trac” corkscrew (corkscrews based on pliers) and rare combination screws, which incorporate a variety of different tools. Corkscrews have an endless appeal as collectibles.
In searching for these handy tools, don’t be afraid to search flea markets, antique shops, or even eBay or your own attic, and discover which shapes and style you find most interesting. Novelty corkscrews, such as this German example of ladies legs, are gaining in popularity, so the more outlandish, the better. In terms of value, rarity can often hold sway over style, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Also, look for rare patented items, such as Abraham Russel’s January 21, 1862 American Patent No. 34,216, which sold in April 2000 on eBay for $13,550. Also, don’t forget to avail yourself of the many high quality collecting resources to be found. There are several books and website dedicated to the art of corkscrew collecting, each providing valuable advice by the field’s most enthusiastic experts.
Wine and spirits antiques are appealing on so many levels. Whether it is a sleek silver shaker mixing up a round of martinis or a cut crystal decanter airing a fine vintage, barware is as exhilarating as the libations. These are items of necessity, invented, patented and improved upon by humble bartenders and famous designers alike. Not only is there a wide variety of objects and tools to collect, from shakers to serving trays, but these items come in a virtually inexhaustible range of materials and span the centuries in fascinating and unexpected ways. The ultimate marriage of form and function, cocktail collectibles are simply the bee’s knees.
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*Unless otherwise indicated, shaker prices are based on values as of the Year 2000.
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References:
“Vintage Bar Ware,” by Stephen Visakay
“Collector’s Guides: Art Deco,” by Judith Miller
“Understanding Antiques,” by Judith Miller
“Ask the Experts Guide to Collectibles”
“Collectible Corkscrews,” by Frédérique Crestin-Billet
Websites:
www.corkscrewnet.com/auctions.htm
www.corkscrewsonline.com
www.corkscrew.com
