Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is a charming Victorian Sterling Silver Letter Opener with a small built in penknife. The blade and handle of the letter opener are Sterling Silver whilst the penknife is in steel. The silver handle has a pattern of swirling foliage. There is no personalisation of any kind making this ideal as a gift.

The letter opener is made by the famous silversmiths Sampson Mordan & Co and assayed in Chester in 1899. Founded by Sampson Mordan in 1815, the firm's early success was built on their world's first patent for a mechanical pencil. In later years they became famous for small and high quality novelty items in silver and gold. Their London factory was destroyed in 1941 by enemy bombing and effectively brought an end to the firm.

Condition is extremely good with no dings or dents to the silver and just the superficial surface wear that you would expect after over 120 years of good use. The steel blade is a little blackened but in good condition and folds in and out securely. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The letter opener is 9.7cm / 3.8ins long when the knife is closed and 12.4cm / 4.9ins long when it is fully opened. It weighs in at 13.6g / 0.48oz, which is of course a mix of silver and steel.

The hallmarks on the letter opener blade are a little rubbed but still easy to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the sword and three wheatsheaves assay mark for Chester, the date letter Q for 1899 and the S.M & Co Ld in a shield makers' mark for Sampson Mordan & Co Ltd.

Shipping in the UK is £6 by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.