Bottle Opener "Lock" - Polished Brass

A lock that opens no door – but a bottle.

The “Lock” bottle opener, also known as the “Schloss”, was designed by Carl Auböck III in 1951. The characteristic form of a traditional padlock is transformed into a functional bottle opener, turning an everyday tool into a small sculptural design object.

As so often with Carl Auböck, the appeal lies in the surprising simplicity of the idea. At first glance, the solid brass object genuinely resembles a lock. Only at second glance does its actual function become apparent. This playful combination of form, function and subtle humour is characteristic of Auböck’s designs of the 1950s.

The “Lock” feels pleasantly substantial in the hand and is not limited to the home bar. Its compact size also makes it an unusual companion for travelling – or a small design object for a bar cart or desk. And if it is not being used to open bottles, it can even serve as an unusually small paperweight.

A small piece of Viennese design history – functional, substantial, humorous and unmistakably characteristic of the Werkstätte Carl Auböck.

Designer: Carl Auböck III

Designed: 1951

Archive number: #4666

Material: polished brass

Made in: Austria