Up for sale is a original mid-century vintage cast iron novelty figural bottle opener featuring a tipsy gentleman in a top hat leaning against a streetlight. The direction sign reads "Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA" in hand-painted black script. Functionally designed so that the underside of the gentleman's coat tail lever serves as the cap lifter.

Origin & Age:

• Period: Circa 1940s–1960s

• Origin: USA / Export Souvenir Trade

• Style: Novelty Breweriana / Barware / Regional Souvenir

Material & Specifications:

• Material: Solid Cast Iron with original hand-applied cold paint enamel

• Height: 4.25 inches

• Width: 2.5 inches

• Weight: 176 grams

Condition Report:

In overall very good vintage condition. Retains a substantial portion of its original paint finish, exhibiting natural rub wear and minor paint loss along high-contact edges (top hat, boots, coat edges, sign tip) consistent with age and gentle handling. Cast iron shows no cracks, breaks, or structural repairs. Base underside shows original factory grinding/filing marks with minor age oxidation.

Reference

• Book Title: Figural Bottle Openers: Identification & Value Guide

• Author: Jerry Tortorella

• Page / Section: Section on Mid-Century Novelty & Souvenir Openers (Figural Drunk / Lamp Post Series)

Authenticity Assessment

Physical evaluation confirms this is a vintage mid-20th-century novelty cast iron bottle opener. The bottom base reveals coarse casting texture and filing lines consistent with standard post-WWII sand-casting methods, while the figure features cold-painted enamel details over textured iron surfaces. The script lettering on the signpost reading "Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA" is hand-painted in black ink over white ground paint—a hallmark of mid-century regional souvenir finishing. While frequently attributed by online sellers to the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, PA due to style similarities, this specific novelty figure was widely produced as a souvenir barware item by various American and Japanese foundries from the late 1940s through the 1960s. The heavy mass (176 g) relative to its size (4.25 in x 2.5 in) and authentic paint wear at high-contact points confirm genuine vintage age rather than a modern reproduction.

Shipping calculated by USPS/UPS/FedEx based on your ZIP code.

Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

Customer Service Commitment

We truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.