Original Civil War Soldier’s Folding Corkscrew, as in Gettysburg Museum. (SOLD)

This is another nice item being offered, it is a Civil War soldier’s Folding Corkscrew. It is made of iron and measures 2 ” x 2 3/4" in the closed position. One of the most popular items for sale by Civil War sutlers was liquor. The comparatively large number of wine, whiskey and beer bottles found in camp sites of both North and South, all 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 not an option, it was an absolute necessity for any Civil War soldier.

There are examples of this corkscrew in The Civil War Collector’s Encyclopedia, by Francis Lord (see pictures). In my recently published book, “The Civil War Soldier - His Personal Items”, I also have one of these corkscrews pictured which was recovered at a hospital site in Gettysburg (see pictures). There is also one in the NPS Gettysburg Museum (see pictures). This item would really be a nice touch to a Civil War camp display or part of a soldier’s personal effects. This corkscrew is in nice condition, still tight and easily opens and closes. Comes in the glass top display case pictured.