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Hello,

Could someone provide information about this cork screw ? It appears to be quite old.
The handle is of bone, very detailed, with a snake and frog, and various other carvings .The tip has a silver cover stamped "sterling". Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Kurt Karlsson
Orillia Canada.

Why you posting Asian Arts board?

'Sterling' in English and desert creatures suggest handle probably made USA southwest or possibly Mexico, the metal fittings could have been added later.

What makes you think "old"? Could have been made any time 20th century.

Good luck,
Cal

Here are three more pictures.

Kurt Karlsson

These are the last three pictures.....The carving on the handle seems like "Netsuke",
I thought it might be Japanese.

Kurt Karlsson

Fine carving is by no means limited to Japan, nor is ivory limited to Japan and China. Check out Bering Straits carvings and Inuit stone-working.

Elephant ivory has been available worldwide for many centuries, so the material itself does not tell where carved. The patterns of lines in the material would tell whether elephant ivory, bone, narwhal, walrus or whale ivory. Some sort of molded resin material is not impossible, and cellulose nitrate also has been used as ivory simulation.

Regardless where made, is very attractive.

Good luck,
Cal

Hi all,

I don't know if this piece had another life before and was remaked as a corkscrew but I think Kurt might be right. The snake / frog theme is well known in Japan and used on netsukes as well. Although not my area the craftmanship looks very good to me.

Regards,

Arjan

Diagnostic here is presence of the horned lizard, family Phrynosomatidae, sometimes called "horned toad."

As far as I know they live only in US, Mexico and part of Central America. Wikipedia article has photo of one looks much like the one carved on this item.

Good luck,
Cal

I don't know Cal...... To me this could just be common Japanese toads. If they are (that kind of) lizards they should have long tales. Do they have long tales Kurt???

Regards,

Arjan

Hi Arja, I checked but I could not see a tail.

Thank you for all the info.

Kurt.

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