Known in France as a bouchonneuse, this cast iron wine bottle corker would have been used at a French vineyard in the early 1900s. Before the advent of mass production methods, a bouchonneuse such as this would have been bolted to the floor (as evidenced by three holes in the base plate) and manually operated to cork wine bottles.

This particular bouchonneuse is adjustable (to accommodate various size bottles) and features a small wooden handle that operates the fulcrum and places enough pressure on the cork to seal the bottle as it rests on the bottom plate. The piston runs through a housing mechanism that is accented with brass rings and stamped “Brevete S.G.D.G.” (Breveté Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement), which was a French patent without government guarantees that was in existence from 1844-1968. Similarly, the base plate has the production mark “Manufacture Francaise d’Armes et Cycles Saint-Etienne”. Saint-Etienne is known as the “city of weapon, cycle, and ribbon” because of its production of weapons, bicycles, and ribbons, mostly by the state-owned factory, Manufacture d’Armes. The perfect accessory for a wine room, bar area, or kitchen.

CONDITION: Very strong antique condition with some oxidation, most notably to the base plate. Trace evidence of old green paint on the vertical bars. Commensurate wear to the brass elements. The piston can be adjusted.