Antiquary & Expert CNES

This is a fascinating object! It's not just a practical tool, it's a collector's item steeped in history and symbolism.

1. Model and Origin

This is a corkscrew with a worm gear mechanism (of the "Heeley Double Lever" type or similar in principle), often called the "French bell" .

• The handle: It is sculpted in the shape of a bicorn hat , the iconic hat associated with Napoleon I. You can even see the small tricolour cockade.
• The body (the bell): It is made of metal and features symbolic reliefs.

2. Symbolism and Decoration

The decoration on the barrel is very specific to French republican imagery:

• The Phrygian Cap: At the top of the coat of arms, it symbolizes liberty.
• The Scales of Justice: We can make out the pans on each side, representing equity.
• The Oak and Laurel Wreath: It surrounds the central motif, symbolizing strength and glory.

3. Historical Context

Although the style evokes the First Empire (Napoleon), this kind of object is usually a historical souvenir or a patriotic decorative item made later, often towards the end of the 19th century.

4. Operation

This is a mechanism known as "assisted extraction":

1. The bell is placed on the neck of the bottle.
2. We turn the handle (the bicorn hat) to push the wick into the cork.
3. Once the drill bit is inserted, the brass disc under the handle rests against the top of the bell. By continuing to turn, the screw rises and extracts the plug without any manual pulling effort.