Walter Bosse Chamois Bottle Opener
A chamois-goat bottle opener designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller, Austria, c. 1950.
The chamois, famously native to Austria’s mountains, was a recurring motif in Bosse’s portfolio. With its sleek form and elegant horns, the animal perfectly matched his stylised aesthetic. As a symbol of the Alps, Bosse’s chamois designs resonated with both tourists and locals, making them especially popular throughout his career.
This bottle opener is a geometric, almost two-dimensional interpretation of the Alpine chamois, forming a bold triangle with curved golden horns. The creature's friendly character, a hallmark of Bosse's work, is achieved with its small pointed tail, and a smiling face - cleverly integrated into the bottle opener's function. While Bosse drew inspiration from animal forms, functionality remained central to his designs. This piece exemplifies this balance, as bottle caps can be lifted smoothly between the goat's horn and pointed nose.
Designer: Walter Bosse
Manufacturer: Herta Baller
Year of Design: C. 1950
Dates Produced: C. 1950-55
Colour: Black, Gold
Height: 9 cm, Width: 5 cm, Depth: 1 cm
Condition: Very Good, with minimal signs of wear from use.
Branding: marked 'Baller Austria'