Two German Patent Corkscrews, Usbeck 1902 and Ehrhardt Challenge 1891, Steel and Wood, Germany - For Sale

A technical comparison of two German mechanical corkscrews: Georg Usbeck’s 1902 patent design, TG 1.46, with wooden handle and hooked crossbar mechanism, and Heinrich Ehrhardt’s 1891 “Challenge” corkscrew, TG 1.47, with steel handle and manually operated revolving collar. Both designs illustrate different late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century approaches to controlled cork extraction.

TG 1.46 shows age-related wear to the plated steel and wooden handle, with the mechanism present and usable. TG 1.47 is marked “Challenge” and shows surface wear, patination, and working mechanical action. Both examples are suitable for collector display and careful functional demonstration.

Circa: 1891–1902
Provenance: Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands

TG 1.46 Measurements: 15.4 × 9.1 × 3.6 cm
Weight: 109 g

TG 1.47 Measurements: 16.3 × 7.7 × 3.4 cm
Weight: 136 g

4 — TECHNICAL DETAILS
Type: Mechanical frame corkscrews
Mechanism family: Hooked crossbar / revolving collar extraction mechanisms
Materials: Steel, nickel-plated steel, turned wooden handle
Manufacturing method: Machined, turned, assembled
Markings: TG 1.47 marked “Challenge”
Country of origin: Germany
Dating: Ehrhardt design, May 1891; Usbeck design, 1902

5 — CONDITION REPORT
Worm: Present on both examples; age-related wear visible.
Joints / hinge: Mechanisms appear complete and movable.
Handle: Usbeck example with worn wooden handle; Ehrhardt example with steel handle.
Plating / surface: General wear, tarnish, rubbing, and patina consistent with age.
Functionality: Mechanisms appear functional; recommended for careful collector use only.