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ID #SA1241407
FOR SALE
£1,100
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Hermès Paris - Fine Silvered Bronze Horse Head Letter Opener C.1960
For sale by Puckerings
for sale €1,287     $1,397
£1,100
Puckerings

Puckerings

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2009
Browse dealers 401 items
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    A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england
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Id #SA1241407
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Hermès Paris - Fine Silvered Bronze Horse Head Letter Opener C.1960

1940 - 1960
For Sale by Puckerings
Description

A fine piece of Equestrian luxury for the most discerning of desk-tops. The highly detailed, sculptural handle shaped like a horse's head pays homage to Hermès' historical roots. The luxury house originally established itself in Paris in 1837 as a high-end harness and saddle workshop.

While sold and branded by Hermès, these specific desk accessories were famously produced for the fashion house by the renowned French master silversmith firm Ravinet d'Enfert. Signed on the back "Hermès Paris" and "Made In France" together with the makers mark for Ravinet d'Enfert.

Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restoring it to it's former glory. Dating to c.1960, it remains in superb condition measuring 9" x 1 1/2" x 2 1/8".

Item: 46084

Physical Dimensions
Height
5.4cm (2.13")
Width
22.86cm (9.00")
Depth
3.81cm (1.50")
Declaration

Puckerings has dated this Silvered Bronze Letter Opener to the 1960s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1241407
Dealers Internal Reference
46084
Dealers Notes

FREE Worldwide Shipping Directly From London, England

Description
A fine piece of Equestrian luxury for the most discerning of desk-tops.
“
The highly detailed, sculptural handle shaped like a horse's head pays homage to Hermès' historical roots.
Puckerings

The luxury house originally established itself in Paris in 1837 as a high-end harness and saddle workshop.

fig 1. A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background.
fig 1. Hermès Paris - Fine Silvered Bronze Horse Head Letter Opener C.1960

While sold and branded by Hermès, these specific desk accessories were famously produced for the fashion house by the renowned French master silversmith firm Ravinet d'Enfert. Signed on the back "Hermès Paris" and "Made In France" together with the makers mark for Ravinet d'Enfert.

fig 2. A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background.
fig 2. Hermès Paris - Fine Silvered Bronze Horse Head Letter Opener C.1960

Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restoring it to it's former glory. Dating to c.1960, it remains in superb condition measuring 9" x 1 1/2" x 2 1/8".

Item: 46084

Height
5.4cm (2.13")
Width
22.86cm (9.00")
Depth
3.81cm (1.50")
Date of Manufacture

Puckerings has dated this Silvered Bronze Letter Opener to the 1960s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1241407
Dealers Internal Ref
46084
Puckerings
Puckerings
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2009

A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england

Dealer Profile

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

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A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background.
1 / 10
Archive I A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background.

Hermès Paris - Fine Silvered Bronze Horse Head Letter Opener C.1960

Archive II A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View II
Archive III A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View III
Archive IV A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View IV
Archive V A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View V
Archive VI A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View VI
Archive VII A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View VII
Archive VIII A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View VIII
Archive IX A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View IX
Archive X A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Puckerings

Puckerings
Telephone 07853 189 922
Location
London
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/puckerings
Verified Since Jul 2009
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 7,619
Puckerings
Puckerings
Verified Since Jul 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/puckerings
Verified
Jul 2009
For Sale
401
Sold
7,619
A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background.
Hermès Paris - Fine Silvered Bronze Horse Head Letter Opener c.1960
Ref: SA1241407
A silvered bronze letter opener featuring a detailed sculpted horse head handle and a polished, tapered blade resting on a neutral background.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectLetter Openers
  • Period1940 - 1960
  • StyleMid-Century Modern
  • MaterialSilvered Bronze
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsHorse head terminal, Tapered blade, Sculpted mane
  • SizeH 5.4 cm (2 in) x W 22.86 cm (9 in) x D 3.81 cm (2 in)

This mid-century modern letter opener is an equestrian desk accessory produced by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Paris. Dating to c.1960, the object takes the form of a silvered bronze implement with a high-shine polished finish and a bright silver colour. The handle is cast as a detailed sculptural horse head with a textured mane and a flared base, leading into a sleek, elongated tapered blade. The silvered bronze shows a reflective, mirror-like surface on the flat blade section, contrasting with the dimensional detailing of the equine head terminal. Measuring 5.4 cm high, 22.86 cm wide and 3.81 cm deep, the piece sits neatly upon an office desk or library table. It functions practically to slice open envelopes and mail while serving as a decorative paper knife for a gentleman's study or home workspace. The item reflects the heritage of the Parisian fashion house and its origins in saddlery, offering a functional desk accessory for daily correspondence.

FAQs

Equestrian motifs gained popularity in luxury design during the mid-20th century, particularly among French design houses and silversmiths who drew inspiration from traditional saddlery and horse-racing culture.

These items are crafted by casting bronze into a specific mould to create detailed forms, such as animal heads, which are subsequently hand-finished and electroplated with a layer of fine silver.

Authentic pieces typically display makers marks or hallmarks near the base or blade, demonstrate significant weight associated with solid bronze, and exhibit natural surface patination consistent with age.

Position the piece atop a leather blotter or adjacent to stationery on an executive desk, allowing the reflective silver surface to contrast with dark wood or leather textures.

Gently wipe the surface with a dry microfibre cloth and use a specialised silver polishing cream sparingly to prevent wearing down the silver plating over the underlying bronze.
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