CLASSIC VINTAGE ART DECO CHROME BARBELL COCKTAIL SHAKER

CLASSIC GENUINE ART DECO

CHROME PLATED

"BARBELL" COCKTAIL SHAKER

11" long. The "weight" end pieces are approximately 3.5" wide, the handle, approximately 2".

This beautiful and wholly functional cocktail shaker was designed in a barbell shape during the Prohibition era to hide your illicit liquor from federal agents or perhaps from relatives who might disapprove of drinking. The idea was to make them think you were working out instead -- lifting something more than a martini glass. As a disguise, it might not have been so effective -- do you leave your weights at the bar?

As a work of art in the Art Deco style it is a classic, beautiful, elegant, classy. The design is high Art Deco, the materials and workmanship top grade, the styling magnificent.

As a shaker is easy to use and very effective. It can make a mean martini, Manhattan, G&T, or whatever else calls for mixing with or without ice. It's perfect as as display piece or to make drinks to your taste while amusing the guests with stories of Al Capone and Elliot Ness. (Watch The Untouchables if you need stories.)

I am not a specialist in this area of collectibles, but I would personally rate the condition good to fairly good, not pristine. The shaker was actually used and it reflects that. The photos do not show this well, but the chrome but shows tiny scratches throughout. There is a place on one of the end pieces where the metal has been slightly flattened by a ding; I have tried to photograph it, but really you have to know it's there and look for it. There's a somewhat deeper scratch in the other end piece; maybe half aninch long; again, I have tried to photograph it.

Barware of this vintage and quality is rare and collectible -- even in less than perfect condition, an item like this sells for more than I am asking at estate auctions and here on on on-line auctions.

I WILL ENTERTAIN REASONABLE BEST OFFERS. 

FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING AND INSURANCE. INTERNATIONAL: ACTUAL COST FOR BOTH.

Returns accepted for refund within 7 days if the item varies significantly from description and is returned in the condition sent. Buyer pays for return shipping and insurance to cost.