This is a GM Research Metallurgy Dept metal novelty bottle opener shaped like an engine connecting rod.
Minor surface rust and dark oxidation are visible across the metal, while the piece remains solid with no visible break.
Its industrial automotive form suits a GM memorabilia display, garage shelf, desk, or bar setup.
Details
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Item: GM Research promotional bottle opener
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Item Type: Novelty bottle opener shaped like an engine connecting rod
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Era: Not confirmed from photos
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Materials: Metal. Exact composition Not confirmed from photos
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Color: Dark gray and brown with visible oxidation
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Maker and Mark: GM RESEARCH on one side and METALLURGY DEPT on the reverse
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Pattern or Model: Not confirmed from photos
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Style: Industrial automotive promotional
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Dimensions: Approximately 5.5 inches long, 1 inch at the widest point, and 0.25 inch thick
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Special Features: Engine connecting rod form with bottle opening head and round hanging hole. Product weight 5 ounces
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
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Graded Good: The piece is solid and intact with clear surface wear and oxidation.
- Both GM RESEARCH and METALLURGY DEPT markings remain clearly readable.
- The connecting rod form, bottle opening area, and round hole at the end remain intact.
- The raised and recessed casting details remain easy to see despite the aged surface.
Issues / Wear
- Minor rusting and dark oxidation are visible across both sides and along the edges.
- Surface pitting, rubbing, and areas of finish loss are visible, especially around the larger opening and outer edges.
- The metal shows uneven age coloration from gray to brown across the surface.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Close to new. Any flaw is small and named above.
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Very Good: Light use. Every flaw is named above, and none of them get in the way of reading or display.
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Good: Complete and usable, with clear signs of use. Every flaw is named above.
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Fair: Heavy wear or damage, named above. A reading or working copy, not a display piece.
Collector's Notes
The GM Research and Metallurgy Dept markings connect this piece to General Motors research and materials work. The connecting rod shape turns an automotive engineering form into a small promotional object.
The clearly marked GM connection makes it suited to a General Motors memorabilia collection, automotive history display, garage shelf, or mechanic's desk.
This piece measures about 5.5 inches long, 1 inch at the widest point, 0.25 inch thick, and weighs 5 ounces. Its compact size and recognizable engine part shape make it easy to display without taking over a shelf or desk.
The readable markings and worn metal surface give the piece a straightforward industrial look without needing much explanation beside it.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
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Photo-verified condition, no surprises
- Packed with care. Glass and fragile pieces get extra cushioning
- Ships in 2 business days
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
I do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
How Reading Vintage sources and grades every piece
