7

Foreword

Here we go again! About six years ago, Don had

published the

first two ―Corkscrew Stories‖ volume

s

that included hundreds of stories he researched on

corkscrews and who made them, when and what

happened. Now, in Volumes 3 and 4, he has collected

the stories he published since 2004 in his on-line

corkscrew ―newspaper‖ entitled

“The Weekly Screw”.

He has, without question, the most extensive and

informative website on corkscrews in the World. But

before I go much further about this book, let me tell you

a little about Don's approach to this corkscrew

collecting ―addiction‖ for he is an addict all right!

Recently, he and I completed a substantial book on Champagne memorabilia titled

“Champagne Collectibles”

that should see the light of day soon. The reason I mention this

is because my experience working with him showed me clearly why he is so successful

and why he is clearly

“The Man”

in the corkscrew world. First, he is a truly exceptional

researcher; he finds things that are simply unimaginable to be found on-line: books,

catalogues, newspaper stories, photos, manuals, hand written bills of lading and on and

on. Second, he is a tireless man who is willing to put in efforts that many could only

marvel at. Third, his curiosity sees no bounds. He will find whatever he needs to

prove, or disprove, some theory or hypothesis of his or those posed by others but

doubtful when examined. Fourth, he has an uncanny knack for writing about a subject

–

let's admit, many just do not see corkscrews as very interesting

–

that we collectors all

find fascinating so we become engrossed in the stories that bring the pieces we know

(and not know) to life.

Don had authored over 20 books so far and he had said several times that the latest one

he was working on or just finished is his last one. He has not made good on that

promise yet and I hope he never will. Reading the interesting tales and stories in these

books will keep you busy for hours and you will get real pleasure from the many

serious to light, but never trivial, stories. The books contain a zillion colour photos of

common pieces as well as many that few of us had seen and these will add to your

knowledge and their history will enhance their value to you. You will learn about

bullets, music, painting, the life story of Lucy Cotton (if you want to know who she is

read the book), what dentists do, Dickens, medicine, world expos, carriage keys, cheese

knobs, Christmas hooks, dogs, cats, monks, monkeys, picnic tools, dose cups, cork

retrievers, stamps, and Walker and Williamson

–

there is no end to it.

Based on my own experience, after reading this book you will become interested in

corkscrews or items related to them that otherwise you would have just passed up if