Vintage Bakelite Nice-Marseille crest letter opener retro old office

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique letter opener, presented here, is a vintage desk accessory made of red-brown marbled bakelite. Its elongated and slightly tapered shape provides an excellent grip and an elegant line, typical of mid-20th century desk pieces. The object is adorned with an enamelled escutcheon on the surface, bearing the inscription "NICE-MARSEILLE," accompanied by distinctive motifs: a stylized sun, two white lightning bolts, and a red marine animal, all on a blue and gold background. This escutcheon adds a decorative and identifying touch to the whole, with no manufacturer's mark visible on the presented side.

The bakelite, as used here, features a marbled effect with deep shades of red, brown, and black, typical of vintage desk accessories and sought after for both their robustness and retro aesthetic. The visible surface displays a beautiful shine, highlighting the richness of the tones and the quality of the polish. The edges of the letter opener are clean and regular, with a pointed end suitable for precise envelope opening.

The enamelled escutcheon, securely fixed on the upper part, immediately catches the eye. The colors are vibrant, with fine details and good readability of the inscription "NICE-MARSEILLE." The crest seems to evoke a connection to an institution, administration, or particular event, without the object providing any other indication on the visible side.

The back, the lower end, and the parts not visible in the photo cannot be described here, in accordance with our accuracy policy. Only the upper surface and immediately visible contours have been taken into account in this expert description.

This vintage bakelite letter opener is part of the tradition of retro desk accessories, appreciated for their emblematic 20th-century material and distinguished style. It can also serve as a decorative or utilitarian object on a classic or contemporary desk.

Condition

Second-hand item sold as is. The visible surface has a good general appearance, with no apparent defects, chips, or cracks in the photo. The escutcheon is well preserved, with clear colors and sharp details. Minor traces of use are not excluded, without being able to detail the non-visible sides.

Did you know? Bakelite, invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, was one of the first synthetic plastics widely used in the manufacture of utilitarian and decorative objects. Very popular for its resistance and marbled appearance, it was used in many desk accessories between the 1920s and 1960s.

AFW Reassurance

Your letter opener will be carefully packaged and quickly shipped by a professional seller specializing in antique and vintage items. We ensure the quality of each shipment for an optimal shopping experience.

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