The history of the corkscrew

The corkscrew originated in 17th-century England, inspired by military tools called "cannon drills," and the earliest known examples date from this period.

The origins

The history of the corkscrew dates back several centuries. The first rudimentary forms appeared as early as Antiquity, when similar tools were used to remove corks from various containers. But it was truly in 17th-century England that the first corkscrew specifically designed for wine appeared. Soldiers at the time used "gun drills" to clean firearms, and the idea was adapted to remove corks from bottles. .

The official invention

The first known patent for a corkscrew was filed in 1795 by the Englishman Samuel Henshall. His design included a washer that prevented the worm from being driven too deeply into the cork, thus facilitating extraction. This tool quickly became indispensable, as wine began to be sold in bottles sealed with corks, requiring a reliable instrument to open them.

The evolution in the 19th century

In the 19th century, the rise of the wine trade and the growing popularity of bottles led to a veritable explosion of inventiveness. Hundreds of patents were filed, proposing a variety of mechanisms: levers, springs, rack and pinion systems. The corkscrew became not only a practical tool, but also a design object and a collector's item.

The modern corkscrew

In the 20th century, ergonomics and efficiency were at the heart of innovations. The famous "sommelier's knife," combining a corkscrew, bottle opener, and foil cutter, became the preferred tool of professionals. Today, corkscrews come in many forms, from the simple T-shaped model to electric versions, but they remain above all the symbol of a convivial gesture: opening a bottle to share it.