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Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905
Sold by Artisan Antiques
sold SA1155097
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2020
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Id #SA1155097
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Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

1900 - 1920
Sold 29 September 2025 · Artisan Antiques
This “Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905” found a buyer.

It was listed by Artisan Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

We are delighted to offer this wonderful novelty antique Scottish solid silver letter opener made in Edinburgh in 1905 with maker's mark J.A.

Striking at first glance and a captivating novelty subject, this letter opener has been crafted in the form of a Scottish basket-hilted sword, reduced in size but not in quality or charm.

The iconic basket-hilted sword was wielded by Jacobite warriors during the rebellions of 1715 and 1745. Subsequently, its popularity was revived as the sword was adopted by officers of the Highland regiments in the 19th century.

This example presents the most wonderful quality and craftsmanship - the entirety is made of solid silver and has a hefty weight to it, yet its hilt section features a wonderfully intricate and fine decoration of pierced heart motifs and fine hand-engravings outlining the edges. The interior of the handle has been lined with red velvet, true to its full size original.

Overall, a terrific piece of Scottish silverware with both practicality and novelty combined, whether it be to display proudly or to open an envelope in distinguished style, it is bound to be a wonderful piece of interest for militia and sabre enthusiasts.

A full set of Scottish hallmarks is present on the side of the blade.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

Size

Size (cm) L:30cm W:4.5cm

Size (inches) L:11.8 W:1.77

Weight: 104.2 grams (3.35 Troy oz)

Condition

Excellent Condition - The letter opener is in excellent antique condition with no damage or issues. For accuracy: some very minor wear as expected with age on the velvet lining. The sheath appears not to be original but works as a practical cover and as such we will include this with the letter opener.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Silver Basket Hilt Letter Opener to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1155097
Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description
We are delighted to offer this wonderful novelty antique Scottish solid silver letter opener made in Edinburgh in 1905 with maker's mark J.A.
“
Striking at first glance and a captivating novelty subject, this letter opener has been crafted in the form of a Scottish basket-hilted sword, reduced in size but not in quality or charm.
Artisan Antiques
fig 1. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 1. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

The iconic basket-hilted sword was wielded by Jacobite warriors during the rebellions of 1715 and 1745. Subsequently, its popularity was revived as the sword was adopted by officers of the Highland regiments in the 19th century.

fig 2. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 2. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

This example presents the most wonderful quality and craftsmanship - the entirety is made of solid silver and has a hefty weight to it, yet its hilt section features a wonderfully intricate and fine decoration of pierced heart motifs and fine hand-engravings outlining the edges. The interior of the handle has been lined with red velvet, true to its full size original.

fig 3. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 3. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

Overall, a terrific piece of Scottish silverware with both practicality and novelty combined, whether it be to display proudly or to open an envelope in distinguished style, it is bound to be a wonderful piece of interest for militia and sabre enthusiasts.

fig 4. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 4. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

A full set of Scottish hallmarks is present on the side of the blade.

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

Size

Size (cm) L:30cm W:4.5cm

fig 5. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 5. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

Size (inches) L:11.8 W:1.77

Weight: 104.2 grams (3.35 Troy oz)

Condition

Excellent Condition - The letter opener is in excellent antique condition with no damage or issues. For accuracy: some very minor wear as expected with age on the velvet lining. The sheath appears not to be original but works as a practical cover and as such we will include this with the letter opener.

fig 6. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 6. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 7. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 7. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

fig 8. An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
fig 8. Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated this Silver Basket Hilt Letter Opener to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1155097
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artisan Antiques Profile Page

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An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905

Archive II An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View II
Archive III An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View III
Archive IV An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View IV
Archive V An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View V
Archive VI An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View VI
Archive VII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View VII
Archive VIII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View VIII
Archive IX An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View IX
Archive X An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View X
Archive XI An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XI
Archive XII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XII
Archive XIII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XIV
Archive XV An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XV
Archive XVI An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XVI
Archive XVII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XVII
Archive XVIII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XVIII
Archive XIX An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XIX
Archive XX An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XX
Archive XXI An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXI
Archive XXII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXII
Archive XXIII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXIII
Archive XXIV An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXIV
Archive XXV An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXV
Archive XXVI An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXVI
Archive XXVII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXVII
Archive XXVIII An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background. View XXVIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07578 761640
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since Dec 2020
Items For Sale 92
Items Sold 520
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
Dec 2020
For Sale
92
Sold
520
An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
Antique Scottish Solid Silver Letter Opener, Military Basket Hilt Sword Design - 1905
Ref: SA1155097
An antique silver letter opener modelled on a Scottish basket hilt sword rests beside a matching red leather scabbard against a dark background.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectLetter Openers
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleEdwardian
  • MaterialSterling silver, red velvet, red leather
  • ColourSilver and red
  • MotifsBasket hilt guard, Miniature broadsword blade, Red fabric lining, Scabbard

A basket hilt sword letter opener is a miniature replica of traditional Scottish military swords, specifically the broadsword or claymore, scaled down for use as a functional desk accessory for opening envelopes.

Antique letter openers from the early 20th century are commonly constructed from sterling silver blades and hilts, frequently featuring internal linings of coloured fabric or leather, alongside fitted leather scabbards.

Authentic pieces are identified through British hallmark stamps indicating the assay office, silver standard, and date letter for 1905, combined with traditional hand-crafted construction techniques and period-appropriate wear.

This piece functions effectively as a decorative desk object on a leather-topped writing table, styled alongside traditional globes, inkwells, and stackable leather-bound books within a study or library setting.

Preservation involves storing the item in a dry environment to prevent tarnishing and leather degradation, using specialized silver polishing cloths gently, and avoiding abrasive cleaning agents on both the metal and the scabbard.
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