Unique Hand Carved Mother of Pearl Letter Opener with Duke of Wellington’s Profile Commemorating Waterloo 1815

Here on offer is a very unusual and possibly unique hand carved Mother of Pearl or Nacre shell letter opener with Duke of Wellington’s Profile, that I believe was made to Commemorate the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

This came into my possession form a lady in Hampshire, who lived near Stratfield Saye House, along with a Horse Hair Bracelet made form the hair of the Duke of Wellingtons horse, Copenhagen.

Who knows it may have been made for and owned by the Duke himself?

The letter opener has been made in the style of a dagger with a crossguard and quillions that seem to be carved in the image of a griffin bird?

The beautifully carved handle has the profile image of the Duke of Wellington exquisitely carved into an oval cartouche, on the reverse of the handle it has been left blank, possibly for the owner’s initials to be carved in at a later date?

The wide ended flat blade has a raised central ridge that originates from a carved ricasso.

The blade, crossguard and handle are pinned together with to long steel pins that show signs of rust over the years, which can just be seen where the blade fits to the cross guard.

It is in superb condition for its age and the shell finish has a bright patina and a stunning iridescent quality.

If I am being really picky there is the slightest nick (pin head size) to the top edge of the blade.
I believe this warrants further research, but would be of great interest to a collector of memorabilia of both Wellington and the Age of the Napoleonic Wars.

The letter opener measures 8.6” (22cm) long and 2.2” (5.5cm) wide at the crossguard.
It weighs 45g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50107