Antique militaria letter opener 1916, large curved blade, copper-look finish W

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique militaria-style letter opener features a large curved blade reminiscent of an oriental saber or scimitar. The object has a patinated copper-like finish, with brown hues and visible oxidation marks across the entire surface, attesting to its age and authenticity. The guard, shaped like a double hook, is decorated with an engraved inscription "1916," clearly legible on the visible side, placing the object in the context of World War I (WW1).

The handle is finely crafted, with an embossed decoration composed of regular striations and linear motifs that reinforce its military or commemorative inspiration. The two ends of the handle echo the hooked motif of the guard, creating stylistic harmony along the entire length of the object. The whole appears to be a single piece, with no added elements or visible assemblies on the side shown.

The blade, with its pronounced curve, ends in an upturned point and a characteristic cut-out at the top, accentuating the oriental and martial effect of the letter opener. The blade's surface shows an old patina, with signs of wear, dark spots, and uneven coloring, typical of an object that has stood the test of time.

On the guard, the inscription "1916" is hand-engraved, reinforcing the authenticity of this dated piece. No other markings, signatures, or embellishments are visible on the photographed side. The whole gives an impression of solidity, with a raw and historical aesthetic, true to the utilitarian objects or souvenirs manufactured during or just after the Great War.

This militaria letter opener is presented on a neutral background, which highlights the warm color and aged texture of its surface. Its large size, mentioned in the keywords, is suggested by the elongated proportion of the blade and handle, but no precise measurements are indicated in the photo.

Condition

Used item, sold as is, showing a pronounced patina, visible signs of oxidation and wear over the entire surface. The aged appearance contributes to the historical charm of this piece.

Did you know? Letter openers with saber or sword motifs were frequently made by soldiers or craftsmen during World War I, often from materials recovered on the front. These objects served as personalized souvenirs, sometimes engraved with the date or place of manufacture, and bear witness to the artisanal creation context linked to the daily life of combatants.

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Keywords: antique letter opener, WW1 militaria, 1916 letter opener, miniature saber, trench art, Great War souvenir, antique letter opener, curved copper blade, vintage desk decoration, antique writing accessory, militaria 14-18, trench art WW1