“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