A magical 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.
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 Pat. Pend." is stamped on the valve handle
Condition: Great vintage condition. This jigger was in a private collection and didn't see 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) The handle/valve is tight and works perfectly 3) The silver-plating is in excellent shape and vibrant, beyond minor tarnish (any "dark areas" you see are from the camera's flash picking up other items in the room) In short, this jigger is in great vintage condition beyond very mild tarnish. Truly a magical measure.
****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.