art-of-swords: Bronze Letter Opener Dated: 1890 Culture:...

art-of-swords:

Bronze Letter Opener

• Dated: 1890
  
• Culture: French
  
• Measurements: overall length 10 ½" (26.67cm)
  

This French ‘dagger’ letter opener is crafted of chased doré bronze (or ormolu, signifying ground or pounded gold, is an English term, used since the 18th century for the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished in this way. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-colored veneer. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré, while in English, it is known as “gilt bronze”).

This instrument features a handle in the form of a robed skeleton standing atop a cross guard in the form of a bat with wings outstretched. Emblems of fleeting time and death, the hour glass and the owl, adorn the scabbard. Also, the scabbard is engraved and dated “R. Gourmel / Paris / 1890”.

Source: Copyright © 2015 M.S Rau Antiques LLC.

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