ICCA Sale 26, Corkscrew presentation & new arrivals

The end of sale # 26 was last weekend. I bought 2 modest lots and sold 4 of my 5 listings. There weren't too many lots which caught my fancy, but overall not a bad ending.

I was tasked with giving a presentation on corkscrews less than 24 hours before the presentation. The presentation was for a local neighborhood women's group of which there were around 2 dozen participating. I explained the various clubs and museums dedicated to corkscrews as well as their little known origins from gun tools. A powerpoint presentation probably would have been better, but as it was held here at our own little museum, there were no shortage of examples to pass around and show off.

I purchased the 2 Thomason corkscrews below from an auction a while back and they have finally made it to the collection. The one on the left, while nice, it rather common. The real one I was after was the one on the right which has an interesting inscription in the handle. It reads "Wildays Marlbro Arms Hotel". Who knows what kind of shenanigans led to the creation of this corkscrew which seems to have been a gift. My best guess would be that they had quite a memorable bachelor party, but either way it makes for a unique and interesting piece. Interestingly enough, it seems that the hotel in question is still in business and bills itself as a 15th century coaching inn. Thanks again to Peter Borrett for his help in acquiring these.