Art Deco Kit-Cat Club 9k Gold Retractable Swizzle Stick 1920s 1930s vtg Jazz Age

  
Oh dear, what is one to do if they love champagne but can't abide the bubbles? A slender stick of gold, with a telescoping end that propels into a swizzle. {and also makes a lovely piece of jewelry}. As the story goes, retractable swizzle sticks like this, also known as champagne de-fizzers, originated during the Victorian era when prim and proper ladies would use them to remove the effervescence from their champagne, so they could then sip away without worry of burping from the bubbles. The popularity for these little baubles continued through the 20th century, although I daresay by then they were more often used as swizzle sticks for stirring cocktails. This one I'm sure has a fascinating story behind it, but sadly its history remains a mystery. The only tidbit of its surely tantalizing tale is an engraving of "Kit-Cat" with the date 7-9-31 for September 7, 1931. If you love jazz, you probably have already heard of the Kit-Kat Club, which was a famous and often baudy music venue/dance hall located in London at the height of the Jazz Age. What happened there on this date, I don't know, but perhaps with a bit of sleuthing, you may be able to uncover more of its story. It was made by Deakin & Francis, famous UK jewellers since 1786, and is hallmarked for 9 karat gold in three places: on the end and on the bale loop at the top, as well as on the sliding piece for telescoping the swizzle. The other hallmarks are very rubbed but I can just make out the leopard head for London and a date letter that appears to be the P used for 1930. It has been carefully tested and is guaranteed to be solid gold and comes with the vintage gold-filled chain shown in the pictures, to which I've added an antique spring ring clasp (salvaged from a Victorian watch chain that was beyond repair).

Although you can use the swizzle while it's still attached to the chain, the extra spring clasp allows you to add or remove it with ease. The chain measures 44" total length, and the swizzle stick measures 3.25" long and extends to 5.25 with a total weight of 5 grams. The pictures say it best, so please zoom in for a closer look, and if you have any questions, I'm always happy to help.

The item "Art Deco Kit-Cat Club 9k Gold Retractable Swizzle Stick 1920s 1930s vtg Jazz Age" is in sale since Tuesday, September 10, 2019. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Other Fine Vintage Jewelry". The seller is "vintagewiseandwonderful" and is located in Greenville, South Carolina. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
2. Metal Purity: 9k
3. Metal: Rose Yellow Gold
4. Brand: Deakin & Francis