Revolutionary War Corkscrew, as in books and museums

This is another nice item being offered, it is a Revolutionary War soldier’s corkscrew. It is made of iron and wood and measures 4" 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 to prevent intoxication.

There are examples of this corkscrew in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” and one on display in the Fort Ticonderoga Museum (see pictures). This corkscrew has a slight age crack from shrinkage, but it is still  tight and in nice condition, only a little surface rust. It came out of an antebellum home estate sale in Charleston, SC. It would really be a nice touch to a Revolutionary War camp display, part of a soldiers personal effects, or next to a period bottle.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in sales.