A lovely vintage silver-plated Napier "mechanical" stepped jigger, 1930s. A gorgeous stepped or graduated design with 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 1 1 1/2 oz, and 2 oz etched on the side, for the perfect measure. Simply "press" the handle to release the spirits into your cocktail glass or pitcher. Truly a magical vintage bar measure and one of the pinnacles of vintage Napier barware.
Please note: we have another one of these listed (that's in slightly different condition), if you'd interested in a pair. See other listings. Cheers.
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 the mechanical/valve jigger.
Measurements: Approx 4" tall
Maker/year: Napier, 1930s
Hallmarks:"Napier" is stamped on the valve handle
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. This jigger doesn't appear to have seen much (if any) actual use. It does show very, very minor age, that comes purely from time. Here's a full summary:
1) There's mild tarnish in a few places the buyer can polish away if they choose to
2) There's mild tarnish to the interior/bottom (see photo)
2) The handle/valve is tight and works perfectly
3) The silver-plating is in excellent shape and vibrant, beyond minor tarnish
In short, this jigger is in great vintage condition. Truly a magical measure.
**On shipping: We take our packaging very seriously and carefully wrap all pieces to ensure safe delivery. If purchasing multiple pieces, we'll combine shipping to a single box (or as few boxes as possible) and will automatically reimburse you for all shipping overages paid.
****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 or damage 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/damage.
>>> IMPORTANT UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS/PROOF OF ORDER ACCURACY & SHIPMENT: on orders with MULTIPLE pieces please note that if your order has more than one item/piece in it (so multiple pieces such as a set of jiggers, cocktail picks, tags, Julep cups, combined shipping orders, the screw cap on a flask or shaker, etc.) please take care to thoroughly empty the box and unpack ALL pieces which may be hidden in tissue paper, bubble wrap, peanuts, etc. We cannot be responsible if you accidentally throw one of your items away! We WILL be able to confirm with 100% certainty that we shipped ALL pieces in your order as we photograph/document ALL PIECES in the box it ships in along with the buyer’s order receipt, shipping label, and tracking number (in case we need to verify that all pieces were shipped once the package has been received). Thank you for shopping with us and cheers!
Inv Ref # NM11