A lovely antique Napier "Bottoms Up" jigger. Such a gorgeous piece. The "beaded" handle/ends are simply stunning and you'll find "1 oz and 2 oz" measurements etched on both sides of the jigger. This jigger or "rollover" shot glass was put across the top of the cocktail glass, filled with liquor, and then the bartender would twist the handle to pour in the liquid into the glass. We've included a photo of the original ad (see last photo). Truly a lovely antique jigger.
A quick bit of history on Napier: The Napier Company was named after its president, James H. Napier, who led the company from 1920 to 1960. But the company's history can be tracked back to 1875 when it was founded as Whitney and Rice in Attleboro, Mass., manufacturing silver products. The firm changed hands and name in 1882 and became Carpenter and Bliss and shortly thereafter, E.A. Bliss and Co., Inc. After rapid expansion in the late 1880s the company moved to Meriden, CT in 1890. After WWI, the firm shifted emphasis from silver products to production of modern jewelry. James Napier became president in 1920 and the company adopted the name Napier - Bliss Co. In 1922, the name was changed to Napier Company. Like many jewelry companies Napier got into lines of art objects and other utilitarian objects like cocktail shakers. In the early to mid 1930s they started producing several cocktail shakers (most notably the "Dial a Drink shaker" and the Rooster motif shaker) other pieces of barware including their well-known graduated/stepped jigger and their bottoms up jigger.
Maker/era: Napier Rollover Jigger, Mid-Century
Hallmarks: "Napier Pat. Pend 184638" is embossed above the handle
Measurements: 5" from handle to handle (please note: if the glass you'll use this on is larger than 4 3/4" in diameter, the handles will not be able to rest on the glass/rim).
Condition: Good vintage condition with mild signs of age/wear. Here's a full summary:
1) There are a few minor spots of wear to the silver-plating in the interior bottom/bowl (see photo #4)
3) There's what we refer to as general surface wear that includes micro fine scratches, etc (i.e. from past handling, storage, etc).
4) There's mild tarnish in a few places (we have not polished this piece)
Overall, this vintage jigger is in good vintage condition with mild signs of age and minor wear. Truly a stunning bar measure.
**On shipping: We take our packaging very seriously and carefully wrap all pieces to ensure safe delivery.
****Important to note pre-purchase: Buyers, please examine all photos carefully as we cannot accept returns due to the fragile nature (the possibility of breakage when being shipped back) of our vintage/antique pieces. Our items are true vintage pieces that might have manufacturers flaws, flaws from age, or imperfections in general from being vintage. We try to explain the condition/description in an accurate and thorough manner but we ask that you please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions before purchasing an item as we are unable to accept returns due to the risk of breakage. Cheers!
Inv Ref # NBU2SO
© Southern Vintage Wares, 2018 - Present. Unauthorized use, copying and pasting any portion of this content, and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
A quick bit of history on Napier: The Napier Company was named after its president, James H. Napier, who led the company from 1920 to 1960. But the company's history can be tracked back to 1875 when it was founded as Whitney and Rice in Attleboro, Mass., manufacturing silver products. The firm changed hands and name in 1882 and became Carpenter and Bliss and shortly thereafter, E.A. Bliss and Co., Inc. After rapid expansion in the late 1880s the company moved to Meriden, CT in 1890. After WWI, the firm shifted emphasis from silver products to production of modern jewelry. James Napier became president in 1920 and the company adopted the name Napier - Bliss Co. In 1922, the name was changed to Napier Company. Like many jewelry companies Napier got into lines of art objects and other utilitarian objects like cocktail shakers. In the early to mid 1930s they started producing several cocktail shakers (most notably the "Dial a Drink shaker" and the Rooster motif shaker) other pieces of barware including their well-known graduated/stepped jigger and their bottoms up jigger.
Maker/era: Napier Rollover Jigger, Mid-Century
Hallmarks: "Napier Pat. Pend 184638" is embossed above the handle
Measurements: 5" from handle to handle (please note: if the glass you'll use this on is larger than 4 3/4" in diameter, the handles will not be able to rest on the glass/rim).
Condition: Good vintage condition with mild signs of age/wear. Here's a full summary:
1) There are a few minor spots of wear to the silver-plating in the interior bottom/bowl (see photo #4)
3) There's what we refer to as general surface wear that includes micro fine scratches, etc (i.e. from past handling, storage, etc).
4) There's mild tarnish in a few places (we have not polished this piece)
Overall, this vintage jigger is in good vintage condition with mild signs of age and minor wear. Truly a stunning bar measure.
**On shipping: We take our packaging very seriously and carefully wrap all pieces to ensure safe delivery.
****Important to note pre-purchase: Buyers, please examine all photos carefully as we cannot accept returns due to the fragile nature (the possibility of breakage when being shipped back) of our vintage/antique pieces. Our items are true vintage pieces that might have manufacturers flaws, flaws from age, or imperfections in general from being vintage. We try to explain the condition/description in an accurate and thorough manner but we ask that you please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions before purchasing an item as we are unable to accept returns due to the risk of breakage. Cheers!
Inv Ref # NBU2SO
© Southern Vintage Wares, 2018 - Present. Unauthorized use, copying and pasting any portion of this content, and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.