Napier Art Deco Silver Plated Penguin Cocktail Shaker

Napier Silver plated Penguin cocktail shaker

Description & Provenance

This is a striking 1930s Art Deco figural penguin cocktail shaker, silver-plated over brass, exquisitely designed by Emil A. Schuelke for the Napier Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Circa 1936, its design reflects the playful yet streamlined spirit of the era.

Standing at 31 cm (approximately 12.2 inches) tall, the piece features a detachable cover whose beak lifts on a hinge to reveal the corked pour spout and integrated strainer — making it as functional as it is decorative. The base is marked “NAPIER Pat. D-101559” — the design patent granted in October 1936. 

This is not a mere novelty: the “Penguin – a bird of a shaker” model was launched by Napier at Hammacher Schlemmer in New York in September 1936 and quickly became a hallmark design, produced until about 1941. 

Designer: Emile A. Schuelke

Emil A. Schuelke was a talented American designer active with Napier in the mid-20th century. He was responsible for several of their iconic Art Deco barware designs, including this penguin shape and a series of other novelty shakers. 

Manufacturer: The Napier Company

The Napier Company, founded originally in the late 19th century and later based in Meriden, Connecticut, was known not only for its costume jewelry but also for modern, design-forward silver and silver-plate wares. 

In the 1930s, under the influence of modernist and European design trends, Napier produced a number of imaginative cocktail shakers and bar pieces — the penguin being among its most beloved and collectible.

Significance & Appeal

Iconic Design: As one of Napier’s most celebrated figural shakers, the penguin embodies both whimsy and sophistication.

Art Deco Aesthetic: Clean, streamlined, and sculptural — it’s a decorative object and a functional bar piece.

Collectible Rarity: Though produced for a limited period (roughly 1936–1941), high-quality examples remain highly sought after.  

Museum Lineage: The design appears in reference works such as Modernism in American Silver by Jewel Stern.  

Condition & Notes

The shaker is usually found in silver-plated brass; light surface wear or plate loss is common, but well-preserved examples bring out the elegance of Schuelke’s sculptural form.

The cork in the beak is in perfect condition; the hinged mechanism is a charming but delicate feature.

A complete, pat-marked base — with the Napier patent number — greatly boosts its collectibility and value.

Why It’s a Must-Have

For serious collectors of barware, Art Deco design, or American modernist silver, this Napier penguin cocktail shaker stands out as a showpiece that bridges function and form. It’s a conversation starter, a design icon, and a refined addition to any curated collection.

A rare and delightful example of American Art Deco humor and elegance—perfect for the design-savvy host, the collector of fine bar accessories, or the lover of unique 1930s decorative objects.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. 

Wear consistent with age and use.

We ship worldwide. Request a shipping quote by e-mail to tacojoustra@vintageobjects.com mentioning the piece you are interested in.

The penguin will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of insured transport to the US is Euro 325 crate included.