Swizzle Sticks Silver Maker Information

Swizzle sticks were invented by Jay Sindler around 1933, just after the end of prohibition. There are a wide range of shapes and materials, the majority being plastic or wood, but others can be silver or even glass. The patent was granted to Jay Sindler in 1934 or 1935. Apparantly, Sindler was an engineer and the idea occurred simply because he was trying to get an olive out of his martini without using his fingers. After he was granted the patent he started a company, Spir-it, to sell them. Swizzle Sticks are extremely collectible due to their wide range of subject matters and materials. They often have corporate logos or sporting designs to them.

A rare Victorian Irish swizzle stick by Henry Flavelle, Dublin, 1850, the top engraved with crest, spirally twisted section at top and bottom, the central section engraved on either side with a band of trailing shamrocks, 33.6cm. long, 2oz.

Sold for £ 549 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2004

A CASED FRENCH SILVER-GILT AND IVORY COCKTAIL SET MAKER'S MARK INDISTINCT, PARIS, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, STAMPED LEROY — A CASED FRENCH SILVER-GILT AND IVORY COCKTAIL SET MAKER’S MARK INDISTINCT, PARIS, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, STAMPED LEROY The eight swizzle sticks each with a star-shaped ivory terminal, each conforming stand with a circular bowl and a tapering ivory handle, contained in a fitted case. (16)

Sold for GBP 600 at Christies in

A silver cocktail stirrer / swizzle stick surmounted by a bird. Hallmarked Birmingham 1986 maker EAW. 8 3/4” long (32g)

Sold for £65 at Dickins Auctioneers Ltd in 2018

Swizzle stick, sterling silver, sliding inner tube, five projecting tongs, maker unknown, [England], 1920

Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences