Vintage antique sword letter opener, gold handle, retro Asian Japanese style

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Visual description

This item is an antique, sword-shaped letter opener of Japanese inspiration, intended for office stationery or decoration. The blade has a smooth, shiny finish, evoking a polished metallic appearance, with a tapered tip and a marked central ridge. On the visible part of the blade, the inscription "JAPAN" is clearly distinguishable, engraved in discrete capital letters near the guard.

The handle stands out with a golden metallic finish, crafted in a style reminiscent of ancient weapons: it features a double cross-guard, adorned with embossed patterns and small decorative moldings. The pommel is spherical and ribbed, which accentuates the decorative and retro character of the whole. The handle has a cylindrical, finely chiselled shape, reminiscent of the work of 20th-century Asian artisans, while offering a good grip for everyday use as a paper cutter.

The entire object, visible in the photo, is distinguished by an elegant contrast between the silver blade and the golden handle, enhancing the effect of a ceremonial object and vintage desk item. No additional decoration is visible on the shown side, which highlights the sobriety of the design and the quality of the molding work on the handle.

No marks or inscriptions other than "JAPAN" are present on the visible area of the object. The surface condition reveals slight signs of wear, notably some micro-scratches on the blade, typical of an old used item, but the whole remains in good aesthetic condition, with no major signs of oxidation or apparent chips in the photo.

This letter opener, also called a paper cutter, is suitable for sophisticated office use or retro decoration. Its miniature sword shape and golden finish give it a unique aesthetic, typical of vintage Asian stationery and highly sought after for a retro ambiance or an original workspace.

Condition

Second-hand item sold as is, showing visible signs of use (micro-scratches on the blade, patina on the handle). The whole remains in good overall visual condition, suitable for decorative or functional use.

Did you know? The design of sword-shaped letter openers became popular in Japanese and European stationery from the late 19th century, in reference to historical weapons and Far Eastern craftsmanship. The "JAPAN" marking indicates production for export, common in office items manufactured in Japan in the mid-20th century.

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