1800-1900s | antique | cast iron | apothecary cork press | nut cracker

Antique Cast Iron Apothecary Cork Press – Late 19th to Early 20th Century – 23 cm – Ornate Hand-Cast Design

A beautifully aged cast iron apothecary cork press, dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s. This heavy-duty tool was used by pharmacists and chemists to compress corks for insertion into glass bottles — an essential part of apothecary and laboratory work before synthetic stoppers became common.

Crafted in solid cast iron, the piece features an ornamental organic motif along the handle, typical of late Victorian and early Art Nouveau industrial design. The patina and texture of the surface reveal genuine age and long use, adding to its visual authenticity and collectible charm.

Details:
• Material: Cast iron
• Length: Approx. 23 cm
• Condition: Fully intact with aged surface, operational hinge; traces of oxidation consistent with age

Before mass-produced rubber stoppers, pharmacists compressed natural corks using presses like this to seal glass vials and medicine bottles. Each cork press was hand-finished, and the intricate detailing on this example reflects the fine industrial artistry of the era.

Highly collectible among apothecary, industrial, and early medical tool enthusiasts, this piece is not only a window into the history of pharmacy but also serves as a striking decorative object — ideal for display in a vintage workshop, laboratory, or industrial interior.

Versatile in design, it can also serve as a sturdy nutcracker.