Antiquary & Expert CNES

A beautiful collector's item, both utilitarian and decorative. This model is a classic of mid-20th-century Spanish design.

1. Origin and Manufacturer

According to the hallmark visible on the underside of the base, this is a piece from the Arnavat , made in Spain (Barcelona).

• Arnavat was a company renowned for its silver-plated metal or chrome-plated brass bar and tableware from the 1950s to the 1970s.

2. Design and Materials

• Shape: This is a corkscrew known as a "hidden" or "case" corkscrew. When closed, it takes the shape of a mushroom (often identified as a cep or a boletus).
• Material: It is probably made of solid bronze , which has been silvered. The golden wear visible in places is the patina of the bronze reappearing beneath the plating.
• Artistic detail: Note the careful work under the mushroom cap which realistically reproduces the mushroom gills.

3. Dual Functionality

This item is a "2-in-1":

• Corkscrew: The worm (the worm screw) is fixed inside the cap. The stem of the mushroom serves as a handle for gripping, but also as a protective case.
• Bottle opener: The rectangular opening located under the base of the foot serves as a bottle opener for capped bottles (beers, sodas).

4. Value and Rarity

This "Mushroom" model by Arnavat is quite sought after by collectors of "lorgnons" (bar curiosities) and lovers of Mid-Century Modern .

It is a typical piece of the 1960s lifestyle, combining humor (the mushroom shape) with the elegance of metal.