Forget Pyrex: The Vintage Kitchen Tool That Doubles As Countertop Decor

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If you're trying to create a retro style kitchen, you may be focusing your shopping energy and budget on dishware, but you may not want to stop there. Pyrex is loved as a type of kitchenware that, in addition to its functionality, can be displayed beautifully in your homeBut once you've reached your space limit for colorful bowls and casserole dishes, you might want to show off a smaller and more unique item that you can use as countertop decor. Syroco corkscrews are among the collectible vintage tools at the thrift store that belong in your kitchen.

If you're ready to forget Pyrex for now and want something that's a bit more eccentric (and can help open wine as a bonus), look for any of the decorative corkscrews produced by Syroco, short for the Syracuse Ornamental Company. The business transitioned from producing ornamental wood carvings in the late 1800s to manufacturing wood composite novelty items in the first part of the 20th century. The corkscrews that bear their brand name are considered collectibles, and are typically composed of a human or animal head attached to a cork puller, while the body forms a holder or base. These kitchen tools are among the home decor that will bring back the '50 or '40s — and there are many different styles to choose from.

There are several different types of vintage Syroco corkscrews you can find to start building a collection. You may find a laughing man, an "old codger," or a country gentleman. Also common are butlers, clowns, and monks. There are even corkscrew heads of different breeds of dogs from this company that you can use as countertop decor, like terriers, German shepherds, bulldogs, and Scotties. Some of the rarest types of these kitchen tools are elephant or horse heads. You may find these wine tools painted or simply stained.

Pricing for these kitchen tools depends both on their condition and where you find them, with some resellers collecting a tidy sum. One vintage Syroco corkscrew shaped like a monk sold for close to $150 on Ebay. However, that's nothing compared to some of the more sought-after novelty items from this company. A Syroco golden knight corkscrew sold at an auction for a whopping $1,200 in 2017. If your budget for kitchen countertop decor doesn't extend into four digits, you'll find more affordable options. Butler models are more common and typically sell for less than $100. However flush you're feeling, keep in mind that while you're looking for corkscrews, you may come across other novelty items made by the Syroco company of equal interest, including clocks, candy dishes, pipe stands, book ends, and brush caddies.