Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > Measuring 15" wide when the arms are opened horizontally, standing 4" tall, made of cast metal ~ Incised lettering to the body reads COMSTOCK BOLTON ~ KANSAS CITY, MO. ~ PATENT PENDING along with a small initial logo.
The Comstock-Bolton Bottle Capper was manufactured by the Comstock-Bolton Co. in Kansas City, MO. It is a vintage hand-operated tool used for capping bottles, primarily used during the early 20th century. It features a distinctive design with a patent date of December 21, 1920. These bottle cappers are often sought after by collectors and antique enthusiasts.
CONDITION REPORT > A rather well preserved example, likely functional as originally intended ~ Some darkening to the metal patina.
About Hand Operated Bottle Capper Tools
Hand-operated bottle cappers for beer and soda have a long and fascinating history, evolving alongside the beverage industry itself. Their development was crucial in enabling the widespread distribution and consumption of bottled beverages. In the early days, with the advent of pasteurization and improved bottling techniques in the late 19th century, beer and soda became more readily available in bottles, leading to increased demand for efficient capping methods. The first hand-operated cappers were simple, often made of cast iron or steel, and typically involved a lever mechanism that pressed a crown cap onto the bottle's rim, creating a tight seal. These early cappers were essential for homebrewers and small-scale bottlers who couldn't afford larger, automated machines.
As the bottled beverage industry grew in the mid-20th century, so did the demand for more efficient and reliable cappers. Manufacturers introduced new designs featuring improved ergonomics, durability, and ease of use. The resurgence of homebrewing in the mid-20th century further fueled the demand for hand-operated cappers, as hobbyists sought affordable and practical tools for bottling their creations.
Hand-operated cappers continued to evolve in the late 20th century and into the present day, with various models designed for different bottle sizes, cap types, and user preferences. Bench cappers, which are mounted to a surface, became popular for their stability and ease of use, particularly among homebrewers and small-scale bottlers. Wing cappers, with their distinctive two-handled design, offered a portable and lightweight option for capping on the go. The use of modern materials like plastic and aluminum made cappers lighter, more durable, and less expensive to produce.
Despite the rise of automated bottling lines for large-scale production, hand-operated cappers remain essential tools for homebrewers, craft brewers, and anyone bottling small batches of beer or soda. They are readily available online and at homebrew supply stores, offering a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets. The history of hand-operated bottle cappers is a testament to human ingenuity and the ongoing quest for efficient and practical solutions. These tools have played a crucial role in the development of the beverage industry and continue to be valued by homebrewers and small-scale producers worldwide.
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