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Champagne taps have been around since the early 19th century with the first patent issued in France in 1828. Also known as Soda taps, they are designed to penetrate the cork without actually opening it, drawing off some liquid by opening the valve & then by closing the valve the bubbles of the gaseous liquid are preserved. |
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This is an English Milne champagne tap with drop points. The idea was to insert the drop point within the bottom of the tap. Once the tap had completely inserted the cork, the spike would fall to the bottom of the bottle & the liquid could be drawn. When the drink had gone the spike would be fished out but many were lost, after all...once you've drunk a bottle of champagne chances are you'll forget to collect it. |
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Here are two different champagne taps. The first, a one piece design with an archimedian worm. The second is a two piece design with a detachable trocar. Once the cork is penetrated the trocar is removed & the valve is open & closed depending on when a tipple is required. |
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Here are two wonderful late 19th century to the early 20th century British champagne taps that both incorporate a pouring spout. By threading the worm into the cork, turning the small side handle opens & closes the valve to allow the liquid to be poured from the spout. They both originate from a British registered design by Edwin Wolverson from 1877. |
As with all the categories here at Corkscrew Collecting this page just shows a few of the many Champagne tap designs that are out there but I hope it gives you a flavour of the design & also sparks your interest. |