Corkscrew Dragon 925 Silver in Case — antique patinated

A corkscrew made of 925 sterling silver, whose cross-handle is crafted as a double-headed dragon — two dragon heads, mouth to mouth, with scaled necks and finely modeled teeth. Not just a tool with decoration, but a small genre sculpture that also bears the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac. In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon represents strength, luck, and dignity — a motif with clear meaning for those looking for a gift with symbolism rather than mere aesthetics.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, antique patina
• Silver weight of corkscrew: approx. 69 grams
• Dimensions of corkscrew: 80 × 75 mm
• Packaging: fabric-covered case with velvet lining, dimensions approx. 159 × 199 × 40 mm
• Motif: Double-headed dragon as cross-handle, worm spiral

Material and craftsmanship

The corkscrew is made of 925 sterling silver, meaning 92.5% fine silver. Both dragon heads are antique-patinated: A thin, superficial darkening remains visible in the recesses between the scales, in the open mouths, and at the eyes, while the high points shine with a polished finish. This contrast allows the relief to stand out plastically. Important for understanding: This darkening is not paint, lacquer, or coating. It is also not niello — niello is a different technique involving molten sulfur-silver paste in engraved recesses. This is a superficial coating that simultaneously serves as a protective layer against further uncontrolled tarnishing. If necessary, the high points can be carefully repolished with a soft silver polishing cloth without the dark recesses losing their depth. The worm spiral is classically shaped and well suited for both modern and mature natural corks.

Usage and occasions

The dragon corkscrew is suitable for occasions where a gift should carry a recognizable meaning: as a personal gift for those born in the Year of the Dragon, for the Chinese New Year, for collectors of Chinese symbolism or zodiac signs, as well as a masculine gift with substance for a milestone birthday, retirement, or business anniversary. For wine lovers for whom a purely decorative motif would not be enough, the piece also offers a depth of meaning that goes beyond mere tool functionality.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

This piece cannot be engraved; as a personal addition, a complimentary SilberVerse card is available. We will coordinate the content, font, and placement with you before execution. Upon request, we will also include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) — individually designed, tailored to the occasion, and free of charge, also orderable without an engraving.

Care

Wipe dry after use; do not put in the dishwasher. If there is wine residue on the spiral, a quick rinse with lukewarm water followed by immediate drying is sufficient. The antique-patinated recesses remain stable in everyday use; the high points can be repolished if necessary with a soft silver polishing cloth. The included case is suitable for storage, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip.

Frequently asked questions

Is the darkening on the dragon the same as niello?

No. Niello is a molten sulfur-silver paste in engraved recesses. This is a superficial antique patina that serves as a protective layer against further tarnishing and remains visible as dark in the relief recesses.

What does the dragon mean in the Chinese zodiac?

The dragon is the fifth of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs and the only mythical creature among them. It represents strength, dignity, luck, and vitality.

Is an engraving possible?

No. This piece cannot be engraved; as a personal addition, a complimentary SilberVerse card is available.

You might also be interested in

More gift ideas with a silver character can be found under Gift Ideas. For matching tableware additions, take a look at Tableware & Silverware.