Carl Auböck

comprising one corkscrew/bottle openers, thee bottle openers, one "foot" corkscrew, two stoppers, one bell, one paperweight

For lots 301-308, please refer to Die Kataloge der Werkstätte Carl Aubock 1925-1975 and Die arbeiten der werkstätte Carl Auböck, fotografiert von 1948-2005, Vienna, 2005 for photographic references, sketches and numbers for each model.

Sotheby's would like to thank Carl Auböck IV for his assistance with cataloguing these lots.

All elements in overall very good condition. All brass elements with faint surface scratches, light tarnishing and spotty oxidation, consistent with this material over time. Please note the "lock" element is in fact a paperweight and not a corkscrew/bottle opener as described in the catalogue. The "fish" corkscrew/bottle opener is steel and horn. The horn surface of this element with two areas of shallow chips (1/2in. and 1/4in. respectively) and one minor loss at outer edge (1/8in.), none of which are visually obtrusive. The "key" bottle opener with spotty tarnishing to bottom edge as visible in the catalogue illustration. The "cock" bottle stopper with missing cork, but a new cork stopper can easily be wound onto the interior screw. The cork stopper of the "hand" element is new. The horn bell has been adapted to function as a bottle stopper and presents with very minor flaking in one area (1/4in.) of the outer edge of the conical form. Like the "cock" stopper, the interior is a screw where a new piece of cork can be affixed. The leather handle on this element is likely a later replacement. The "fish" bottle opener with minor scuffing to leather as is common with handling over time. The "foot" corkscrew with light wear to patination near toes and to the underside, as is common and intended by the designer. An interesting and diverse collection of bar articles, the horn elements are of notable rarity as well as the lighter leather "fish" bottle opener. All immediately recognizable as characteristic Auböck designs, they are a playful addition to any bar.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.