During the late 19th and early 20th centuries (the Victorian and Edwardian eras), corkscrews evolved from purely functional kitchen tools into high-status luxury items. Among the most coveted were those crafted from natural materials—specifically carved horn and walrus tusks—accented with sterling silver. 

These pieces were often part of a gentleman’s traveling kit or displayed in a formal dining room as a symbol of wealth and global reach.

The use of "exotic" organic materials was a hallmark of this era, driven by the expansion of trade and the Victorian fascination with the natural world.

• Antler and Horn: Usually sourced from stag, bull, or water buffalo. The natural texture (the "bark" of the antler) provided a superior grip for the manual effort required to pull a cork.

• Walrus Ivory (Tusk): More rare and expensive than horn, walrus tusks were prized for their density and smooth, creamy patina. Unlike elephant ivory, walrus tusks often show a unique "marbled" core when carved.

• Sterling Silver: The "accents" typically included silver ferrules (the band connecting the handle to the screw), decorative end-caps, and sometimes ornate monogram plates where the owner's initials were engraved.

Chief American sterling silver producers that created high-end, organic-material-handled items like walrus tusk, stag horn, or boar tusk corkscrews in the late 19th and early 20th included Gorham Manufacturing Co.,Tiffany & Co., and Walker. These companies often applied ornate sterling caps or collars to the natural tusk handles, sometimes featuring carved animal heads