Metal Cork Press, c 1860s
This cast iron item, loaned to the Museum as part of the George Proctor collection, is a No. 2 cork press patented by J.M. Morris & Co. in August 1867.
Corks had to be shaped and compressed to fit the tops of liquor, wine and patented medicine bottles to ensure a good seal. This type of press was used in the bottling industry until the 1930s when it was replaced by new technology.