The Objective Of This Forum

This forum provides a place where we can learn about history by sharing knowledge of products and companies advertised on Vintage Cast Iron Bottle Openers, first produced in the early 1900's. The advertising on bottle openers varies widely so you don't have to be especially interested in the crown cork bottling companies, aerated water manufacture or breweries (but it might help a bit). Discussions are also welcome on crown seals (crown corks or bottle caps) and Guinness.

Critical to describing a cast iron bottle opener is understanding the system of classification created by Richard May, which is briefly explained and illustrated in the next forum post. Other data are also required, such as overall length and lifter shape. We present lists of New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Crown Cork and Guinness Vintage Cast Iron Bottle Openers. It is not an objective of this forum to generate definitive lists of openers, but we will update or correct those presented here when provided with photos etc.

Many of the products and companies advertised on these openers are well documented, while others are not so well known and a few remain complete mysteries. If you would like to share or discuss any information regarding the products and companies shown in the lists, please submit details and supporting documents using this forum. To be able to post to this forum, you need to be a registered user, go here to register. A description of the terminology associated with internet forums is available on this Wiki link.

From the National Library of New Zealand Papers Past, Father Christmas with a bottle opener over his shoulder bringing the Red Band Ales home. Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 140, 17 December 1935, Page 18