Sterling Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Letter Opener, Repoussé Scroll Handle View Watchlist >
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Lot # F953
System ID # 29610603
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Sterling Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Letter Opener, Repoussé Scroll Handle
A turn-of-the-century letter opener pairing a tapered mother-of-pearl blade with an ornate sterling silver handle. The handle is worked in high-relief repoussé scrollwork around a central heart-form cartouche, descending to a fluted shaft and a sculpted floral ferrule that captures the iridescent pearl blade. The shaft is stamped STERLING — the only mark present.
Mother-of-pearl letter openers with cast and repoussé silver grips were popular desk accessories from the 1890s through the early 1900s, often sold alongside matched stationery sets. The natural sheen of the nacre and the dimensional silverwork make this a decorative example of the form.
CONDITION
Good. The silver carries an overall patina and tarnish — polishing left to the buyer's preference. Light surface marks to the mother-of-pearl blade consistent with age and handling.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall: 5 1/2" L × 0.67" W × 0.44" D
- Handle: Sterling silver, marked STERLING
- Blade: Mother-of-pearl
