Accession Number

2001.011.009.001a-b

Alternate Name

Champagne tap

Description

Champagne tap. Hollow spike-like body, the sharp pointed end has a small hole on each side of the tip, a raised corkscrew thread down the shaft (the tap thread is called an Archimedean helix); attached to the top is a ball shape which is the valve head with a Prince of Wales feather on each of the two petcock handles; on the top of the valve is a removable cylindrical shaped top with a flared rim; the value and the top piece have a hole through the centre connecting to the hole in the shaft; stamped into the side of the valve is the manufacturer's name and city.

Narrative

A tap is used to take a small amount of liquid from a carbonated beverage bottle. The small removable top piece secures a fine screen to filter debris from the champagne, wine or other liquids. The screens are replaceable. The tap with the petcock valve closed was screwed into a cork in a bottle of carbonated beverage. The bottle was turned upside down to cover the end of the tap, the valve opened, and the contents were discharge by the pressure in the bottle. When the desired amount was removed the valve was closed and the tap was left in the bottle to maintain pressure. The S. Maw & Son trademark was used from 1860-1870 only.

History of Use

This tap was collected by a retired English physician in the 1970's. He collected a wide range of Victorian medical equipment and believed that this object had been used by a medical doctor to dispense champagne to patients. 

Date

1860 – 1870

Dimensions

10.2 x 5.9 x 1 cm

Material

Metal, silver

Technique

Cast; Electroplated; Machined

Country of Origin

United Kingdom