Original Revolutionary War Corkscrew, as in books (SOLD).

This is another nice item being offered, it is a Revolutionary War soldier’s corkscrew. It is made of iron and wood and measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2". As with all young soldiers, liquor was always sought out when in camp. Wine and whiskey bottles recovered at campsites and forts attest to the drinking habits of many officers and men. Up until the mid-19th century, just about every bottle would have been corked, so having a corkscrew was an absolute necessity for any soldier.

During the Revolutionary War, each man was allowed a gill and a half or a gill and a third of rum a day regardless of his duties, although extra allowances were issued under special circumstances. The rum was generally issued in half rations diluted with three parts water.

There are examples of this corkscrew in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” (see pictures). This corkscrew is tight and in nice condition, only a little surface rust. It would really be a nice touch to a Revolutionary War camp display or part of a soldiers personal effects.