Napier Inspired Penguin Cocktail Shaker

I am so excited to share this new listing with you – this dignified guy has a little attitude with a whole lot of shaking going on!

Isn’t he sauve? Kind of reminds me of ‘Mr.’ Carson from Downton Abby!

You need to know that he’s vintage-inspired, but sometimes all it takes is a bit of inspiration to shake things up.

The original penguin cocktail shaker was designed by Emil A. Schuelke for the Napier Company back in 1936. Today many would attribute the design to the Mid-Century Modern era, when in fact the original is an Art Deco piece (did I mention he reminded me of Mr. Carson?). The original shaker was patented in October of 1936 with some very distinct characteristics that this one does not have.

First, if you are to be lucky enough to find an original, according to Collectible bar ware specialist Stephen Visakayyou can expect to pay between $750 and $1400 for this personality-filled treasure. Fun fact: the original retailed for $12.50!

Characteristics of the authentic design include:

  • The shaker is silver plated, while most reproductions will be nickel plated;
  • The base of the Napier penguin shaker will be permanently stamped;
  • The entire beak is hinged and acts as the actual pouring spout;
  • There is a handle at the back of the shaker.

You can see in this photo that the the beak is not hinged, and you have to remove the head to strain the cocktail.

Also, though the image doesn’t show it, there is no handle at the back and the base is not stamped.

In the end I decided this piece was a good addition to the Audrey Would! collection, because it is inspired by Emil A. Schuelke’s great design from the Art Deco era. The Napier penguin also represents just one of several cocktail shakers and pieces of barware produced by the Napier Company from the early to mid 1930s. One of our goals is to help you stock your own bar cart with great barware history, and we feel this piece is unique enough to do just that!

What kind of cocktail shaker do you prefer? Would you add this Napier inspired option to your collection?

Don’t for get our Holiday Shopping Event! You will find a collection of cocktail shakers to choose from including this guy and more!

Thanks for stopping by!

Photographs by Sheila Zeller. Please link and credit if you choose to use.


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