id small pretty letter opener

gp · Today, 01:59 PM

Be carefull if or when cleaning it ...in order not to damage the yellowish ( gold ?) decoration on the blade !

'Bom dia !

It for certain is no letter opener but a smal knife or dagger originating from the region of the Holy Roman Empire (Sacrum Imperium Romanum Nationis Germanicae )based upon the type and decoration of the blade ;
most likely a saint as seen on many coins and coat of arms from Ragusa to Pomerania. Or a later copy of this style from the Iberian region...( the latter could make sense due to the historical Habsburgian connection Mexico, Spain, Austria...)

The type of knife is quite common found like Sajen stated in the Germanic speaking countries and neighbouring countries.

Indeed the grip is very interesting based upon the geometrical decoration which could indicate :

- either a fancy re-creation ( tourist?) at around 1900 or
- what I believe to be a beautiful piece like the filigree art on the grip as one sees in the Mediteranean countries and also Portugal from its style....

What is the grip made of ? Horn or bone?
And the scabbard? what metal and leather? Please use some colorless oil to clean and feed it, brings it back to life and maybe also shows better the decoration on the scabbard ( could help or be an indication of its origin as well) ...

So a lot of questions but anyway a very nice piece for sure !

Today, 01:59 PM	#9
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 980	Be carefull if or when cleaning it ...in order not to damage the yellowish ( gold ?) decoration on the blade ! 'Bom dia ! It for certain is no letter opener but a smal knife or dagger originating from the region of the Holy Roman Empire (Sacrum Imperium Romanum Nationis Germanicae )based upon the type and decoration of the blade ; most likely a saint as seen on many coins and coat of arms from Ragusa to Pomerania. Or a later copy of this style from the Iberian region...( the latter could make sense due to the historical Habsburgian connection Mexico, Spain, Austria...) The type of knife is quite common found like Sajen stated in the Germanic speaking countries and neighbouring countries. Indeed the grip is very interesting based upon the geometrical decoration which could indicate : - either a fancy re-creation ( tourist?) at around 1900 or - what I believe to be a beautiful piece like the filigree art on the grip as one sees in the Mediteranean countries and also Portugal from its style.... What is the grip made of ? Horn or bone? And the scabbard? what metal and leather? Please use some colorless oil to clean and feed it, brings it back to life and maybe also shows better the decoration on the scabbard ( could help or be an indication of its origin as well) ... So a lot of questions but anyway a very nice piece for sure !