Vintage Cast Iron Hobo Bottle Opener | Tipsy Man Figural Barware

This vintage cast iron figural bottle opener has the kind of character that makes old barware so fun to collect.

Often called “Hobo Charlie,” “Tipsy Man,” or “Drunk Man,” this little figure leans against a lamp post in classic novelty style, with just enough attitude to make it a memorable piece for a bar cart, shelf, or breweriana collection.

Details

• Era: likely 1940s–1950s style
• Item type: figural bottle opener
• Materials: cast iron with hand-painted details noted by seller description
• Color: dark iron base with painted figure accents
• Measurements: approx. 4 inches tall, 2 inches wide
• Weight: approx. 6 ounces
• Design note: man in top hat leaning on a street lamp, often referred to as Hobo Charlie or Tipsy Man
• Function: opener is typically worked from the base or hook near the lamp post
• Origin note: many similar originals were produced in the United States, including Wilton-associated examples

Suggested use: bar cart styling, tavern decor, breweriana display, novelty gift, cast iron collection

Condition Grade: Good

Positives
• Strong novelty appeal with recognizable figural styling
• Solid cast iron construction with nice display weight for the size
• Great collectible crossover for barware, breweriana, and cast iron buyers

Issues / Wear
• Vintage cast iron pieces of this type commonly show paint wear, rubs, edge wear, and surface aging
• Hand-painted details often show loss or fading with age
• Please review all photos closely for finish wear, paint loss, or chips if present
• Sold as pictured

See all photos for detail — sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
• Near Fine — minimal wear; clean.
• Very Good — light wear; clean; minor flaws.
• Good — noticeable wear.
• Fair — heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

A fun little piece for the buyer who likes their barware with a little humor and a little old-school grit.

Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)

∙Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
∙Packed with our protective packaging standard
∙Ships in 1 business day
∙Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)

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. 

While I do my best to capture colors accurately, 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.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.

Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.

With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.

Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.