Birdseye maple is not a separate species of maple but rather the name given to the grain or figure found in some hard maple like sugar maple. No scientific evidence exists for what produces the darker brown eye spots and wavy figure. This rare figure in maple wood is desired by craftsmen and artists in many pursuits.

 

After turning the stopper for shape, I carefully incised a recess in the stopper top to accept the abalone insert. The black accent rings on this bottle stopper were burned in by carefully applying a wire to the surface of the rapidly rotating piece.

304 Grade stainless steel is comprised of at least 50% iron with no more than 0.08% carbon. With that much iron content it would seem the material would be subject to corrosion. Yet, it is the elements represented by the second set of numbers, 18/8, that chemically protect the iron. The 18/8 designation refers to how much chromium and nickel respectively are present in the stainless steel.  In example, 18/8 stainless steel has 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The chromium acts to bind oxygen to the object's surface thereby protecting the iron from the process of oxidation. This protection is enhanced by the presence of nickel. The greater the nickel content, the greater the corrosion resistance.  

To enable a tight seal simply push down while twisting gently. Do not push straight down. At least two nitrile O-rings should be in contact with the bottle's neck (see photograph). When you're ready to remove your stopper, gently pull up while using a twisting or rocking motion.

 

A bottle stopper used with wine is meant for decorative purposes only and not intended to store wine.

 

This style and size of stopper will fit most wine bottles and many liquor bottles. Some brands include:

Garrison Brothers Bourbon	Buffalo Trace
Old Forester	Elijah Craig
Knob Creek	Bulleit
Very Old Bourbon	Smooth Amber-Contradiction
Weller Special Reserve (screw cap)	American Honey (Wild Turkey)
Basil Hayden	Crown Royal
Jamisons (screw cap)	Herradura Ultra Anjeo

 

Orders and Shipping

Shipping is one flat rate for all orders by USPS Ground Advantage. This just means you can game the system by buying multiple stoppers and still only pay less than my actual cost to ship just one stopper. Clever of you! I will confirm your order and supply a tracking number by email. Please refer to the Helpful Stuff tab at the top of this page to find the complete orders and shipping policy including the current flat rate in Policies of Parus Pen.

 

Happy Returns

I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not, please return your purchase in its original condition within 10 days for your choice of a refund, exchange, or credit. You don't have to tell me why you're returning your purchase. Please package items well, insure the package, and ship with a tracking number. Please refer to the Helpful Stuff tab at the top of this page to find the complete return policy in the Policies of Parus Pen.