The Alligator Cork Press is a circa 1890 French design. “Lever type corks presses came in numerous designs. They were generally made of heavy cast iron and later examples were provided with a durable black japanned finish or, more uncommonly, were bronzed or nickel-plated.  They range from 6 to 10 inches in length.  Most of the lever type cork presses had holes in the base for attaching them to the pharmacist’s working counter.  Corks were soaked in water for a moment or two and then compressed before inserting them into the bottle where they would expand, thus insuring a tight seal.”  Richardson, The Pill Rollers .