"Designed in 1936 by Emil A. Schuelke for the Napier Company, the penguin-shaped cocktail shaker has become an iconic addition to bars. While typical shakers have lids that could be easily forgotten, Schuelke designed one with a top that resembled a bird. This penguin shaker was originally sold for $12.50 in 1936. Today, these pieces can sell for more than $8,000."
"When Prohibition ended, the business began making barware, but the sleek, whimsical shaker was discontinued in 1941. In 1938, knockoffs of "The Penguin" (as it was officially called) began to appear, yet the wings of these replicas were embossed directly onto the body of the shaker rather than being made of a separate metal piece. These copycats now sell for a few hundred dollars. More recent copycat designs are often substantially cheaper and usually listed at around $50 per shaker."
Different cocktail shaker types suit various drinks, and some antique bartending tools can be valuable collectibles. The penguin-shaped cocktail shaker was designed in 1936 by Emil A. Schuelke for the Napier Company and originally sold for $12.50; originals can now sell for more than $8,000. Napier, previously a jewelry maker, shifted to barware after Prohibition and discontinued the penguin shaker in 1941. Original penguin shakers feature a hinged beak revealing a stopper and pouring spout and silver plating over metal. Early 1938 knockoffs embossed wings onto the body and now fetch a few hundred dollars; more recent copycats commonly cost around $50.
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