Name/Title
Champagne Tap and BoxEntry/Object ID
2001.5.47 A-BDescription
Solid metal champagne tap in a black box. An orange paper manufacturer’s label is adhered to the inside of the box lid. Adhered to the manufacturer’s label is a white sticker label from Columbia druggist E.L. Wingfield. The handle of the tap resembles a champagne bottle.Use
Also known as soda taps, champagne taps penetrate the cork of a bottle without removing it, creating a spout through which liquid passes when the valve was opened. Keeping the valve closed preserves the carbonation of the beverage.Context
C.T. Williamson Company of New Jersey sold this style of champagne tap, topped with a miniature replica of a bottle, beginning around 1900. At the time, William Alexander Williamson (1854–1932) was in charge of the company and its patents.
This particular champagne tap was sold by Dr. Emmet Lee Wingfield (1872-1936), who operated a drug store at 1536 Main Street in Columbia from 1900 until 1914. Although labeled as “easily cleaned,” it is unclear whether this tap was ever used.Made/Created
Manufacturer
C. T. Williamson Co., Inc.Date made
1900 - 1914Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
LabelLocation
Inside the boxTranscription
Williamson's
New Century
No. 1900
Champagne Tap
[?] Direct cut-off
Each Tap is carefully tested and
Warranted Not to Leak
A proper size gimlet accompanies this tap
Easily cleanedMaterial/Technique
LabelType
LabelLocation
Inside boxTranscription
E.L. Wingfield,
Druggist
1536 Main St.
Columbia, S.C.Material/Technique
LabelDimensions
Dimension Description
(A) Box DimensionsWidth
2-3/4 inDepth
3/4 inLength
4-1/4 inDimension Description
(B) Tap DimensionsHeight
3-3/4 inWidth
2-11/16 inDepth
11/16 inRelationships
Related Places
Place
City
Columbia, South Carolina
