Corkscrew Dragon 925 Silver in Case — antique patinated

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

At a Glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, antique patinated
• 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, spiral worm

Material and Workmanship

The corkscrew is made of 925 sterling silver, i.e., 92.5% pure silver. Both dragon heads are antique patinated: a thin, superficial blackening remains visible in the depressions between scales, in the open mouths, and on the eyes, while the raised areas shine polished. This contrast makes the relief stand out plastically. Important for understanding: This blackening is not a color, lacquer, or paint. It is also not niello — niello is a different technique with molten sulfur-silver paste in engraved depressions. Here, it is a superficial coating that also serves as a protective layer against further uncontrolled tarnishing. The raised areas can be carefully repolished with a soft silver cleaning cloth if necessary, without the dark depressions losing their depth. The spiral worm is classically shaped and well-suited for modern and medium-aged 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 Chinese New Year, for collectors of Chinese symbolism or zodiac signs, as well as a substantial gift for men for milestone birthdays, retirement, or business anniversaries. For wine lovers for whom a purely decorative motif would be insufficient, the piece offers a depth of content that goes beyond its pure tool function.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Engraving is possible upon request, usually on a smooth part of the shank below the dragon heads — such as initials, a birth date, or a short dedication. We will agree on the content, font, and position together before execution. Additionally, upon request, we can include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) — individually designed, suitable for the occasion, and currently free of charge, also available without engraving.

Care

Wipe dry after use, no dishwasher. For wine residues on the spiral, a quick rinse with lukewarm water and immediate drying is sufficient. The antique patinated depressions remain stable in everyday use; the raised areas can be repolished with a soft silver cleaning cloth if necessary. The supplied case is suitable for storage, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the blackening on the dragon the same as niello?

No. Niello is a molten sulfur-silver paste in engraved depressions. Here, it is a superficial antique patination that serves as a protective layer against further tarnishing and remains visibly dark in the relief depressions.

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 stands for strength, dignity, luck, and vitality.

Is engraving possible?

Yes, upon request, usually on the shank below the dragon heads. We will discuss content and position before ordering.

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You can find more gift ideas with silver character under Gift Ideas. For suitable sterling silver additions, check out Sterling Silver & Silverware.