Late Victorian Tortoiseshell Paper Knife / Letter Opener with Sterling Silver Mount

*This item can only be shipped to domestic Australian addresses*

Exquisite late Victorian tortoiseshell and sterling silver letter opener. Marks for Edmund Bennett, London 1889. Can be used as a page turner as well. 

During Victorian times, craftsmen took advantage of tortoiseshell’s excellent thermoplastic properties to create some beautiful “natural celluloid” pieces. In the 19th century, sailors often used tortoises and sea turtle as provisions, and their shells were natural byproducts that soon became prized in their own right. This is a lovely example of the practical yet ornamental pieces Victorians dreamed up for their ephemera.

Price marked at $550 AUD

Measurements: 38cm length, 3cm blade width.

Condition: Good antique condition; some wear and fleabite chips to blade commensurate with age.