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About This Item
Very rare STARR corkscrew combo wall mount bottle opener made by Brown MFG Co. This is the second-generation style with a slot to hold the corkscrew worm, plus a razor strop hook at the bottom. The opener is chrome plated and marked STARR, Brown MFG Co, Newport News, VA, and PATD APR 1925. The bottom edge is marked W.W. Wilcox MFG Co. Chicago, and the back is marked Made in USA.
Wilcox / Hotel Supply History
A 1921 Chilton Hotel Supply Index advertisement identifies W.W. Wilcox MFG Company of 564 W. Randolph St., Chicago as a manufacturer of hotel supplies. The ad lists hotel-related goods including fiber key tags, door number plates, key rack number plates, numbered strips, badges, and sign plates. That makes the W.W. Wilcox marking especially relevant on this opener, placing it in the hotel-supply and hospitality trade rather than ordinary beverage advertising.
Maker History
Brown MFG Co was founded in Newport News, Virginia in 1925 by Raymond “Coca-Cola” Brown, a Coca-Cola bottler. The company became known for STARR wall-mounted bottle openers and remains in business today, with STARR openers still part of its product line.
Variant Notes
This is a very scarce STARR corkscrew combo version with the corkscrew worm slot, razor strop hook, W.W. Wilcox MFG Co. Chicago hotel-supply marking, and PATD APR 1925 marking. The PATD APR 1925 marking predates the later 1943 backstop patent commonly referenced as Patent 2333088. Among STARR openers, this variation is known as one of the hardest-to-find collector pieces.
Condition
Very good vintage used condition with light age/use wear. Chrome-plated finish presents well with crisp lettering and finish, and little to no visible oxidation. Please review all photos for condition and details.
Included
Sale is for the bottle opener pictured. No additional accessories are included unless specifically shown or noted.
Packing & Shipping
Packed with care. I’m happy to combine shipping whenever possible. If you purchase multiple items the same day and overcharges shipping, I will refund the combined shipping difference after packing.
