A rare 24K gold Napier "bottoms up" or rollover jigger. Such a spectacular 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. Napier made their classic rollover jigger (starting in the 1930s through the 50s) in silver-plate and a select few in 24k gold-plating. This antique jigger is still in the original box of the store it was purchased from (London Harness Company) along with the authenticity sheet. It doesn't get any more magnificent than this stunning antique jigger, folks. Truly a stunning piece.
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. A select few pieces were made with 24k gold-plating, including this stunning rollover jigger.
Maker/era: Napier Rollover Jigger, Mid-Century, 1930s - 1950s
Hallmarks: "Napier Pat. 184638" is stamped just above the jigger's beaded handle Measurements: Approx 5 1/2" in length Condition: Pristine condition. This jigger appears to have never been used. There's one tiny darker spot (that resembles tarnish but will likely not polish away) on the very bottom of the jigger (that was impossible to capture in a photo), about the size of a pinhead. In short, this jigger is pristine and appears to have never been taken out of the box.
**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 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.