Federal's Metal Bottle Opener
Celebrate a memorable name in Detroit retail history with a Federal's Metal Bottle Opener. Founded in 1929, Federal's expanded through its 1961 merger with Kobacker's of Columbus and its 1969 purchase of Shifrin-Willens Jewelers. Bankruptcy followed in 1972, the year its Lansing and Kalamazoo stores closed. After a later ownership change, the chain was liquidated in 1980. This distinctive keepsake suits collectors of department-store memorabilia and anyone curious about the changing story of regional American retail.
Federal Department Store, commonly known as Federal's, was a department store chain based in Detroit and founded in 1929. Its history includes expansion through a merger and a separate jewelry acquisition. In 1961, Federal's merged with Kobacker's, a department store company based in Columbus, Ohio. In 1969, Federal's bought Shifrin-Willens Jewelers. The chain filed for bankruptcy in 1972; that same year, its stores in Lansing and Kalamazoo closed. One of Federal's holdings at the time of the bankruptcy was the Hoffritz for Cutlery chain, which was sold in 1975 through a leveraged buyout. In 1978, Steven Watstein, also known as Steven West, purchased Federal's. The chain was liquidated in 1980. These milestones trace Federal's from its 1929 founding through a merger, an acquisition, financial difficulty, a change in ownership, and eventual liquidation. The documented locations connect its story to Detroit, Columbus, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.
This slim, all-metal bottle opener feels like the trusted tool you reach for when friends gather and stories start. Forged from heavy-duty stainless steel, it slides into a pocket or bartending apron without bulk, then delivers confident leverage when a cold drink needs freeing. The flat surface accepts crisp laser engraving, so names, dates, or logos stay sharp through years of use. Use it behind the home bar, at backyard tailgates, or hand one to each member of your wedding party — it’s built to take commercial-level wear while still looking clean and refined. Simple, sturdy, and ready for the next toast.
Product features
- 100% heavy-duty stainless steel resists rust and bending
- Flat surface optimized for permanent precision laser engraving
- Ergonomic all-metal grip provides strong leverage
- Slim, ultra-flat profile fits pockets and bar drawers
- Commercial-grade durability for frequent use
| One size | |
| Width, in | 5.50 |
| Height, in | 1.50 |