Abstract: A novel apparatus is described for decapping filled bottles sealed with a crown cap. The apparatus includes a means for conveying bottles to a decapping station. Said station comprises a movable presser means, adapted to press smoothly down on the dome of the cap, and an edge means arranged to engage under the lower rim of said cap. The edge means engages the lower extremity of the skirt of the cap in such a manner that the associated bottle is separated from the conveyor means and subsequent to the action of the presser means, preferably a chisel-shaped member, on the dome of the cap, the bottle is able to move downward and resume its upright position on the conveyor means, whereby the cap is completely loosened but remains positioned on the mouth of the bottle. The bottle is then conveyed to a station including means for the removal and controlled disposal of the loosened cap.