Mid West Chandelier Co Advertising Letter Opener Appraisal

Mid-West Chandelier Co. Advertising Letter Opener

This is a vintage promotional letter opener, likely cast from brass or a bronze-finished pot metal. The piece features a decorative Art Nouveau-style hilt with an openwork handle containing an embossed rose and leaf motif. Below the handle, a small cross-guard transitions into the tapered, sword-shaped blade. The central portion of the blade is embossed with letters reading "MID-WEST CHANDELIER CO." in a stylized font, indicating it was produced as a corporate gift or promotional item for the Kansas City-based lighting manufacturer. The item displays a dark aged patina with visible surface oxidation and verdigris, particularly within the recessed areas of the floral handle. There is significant wear to the original plating on the rose ornament at the top pommel, revealing a lighter base metal beneath. The blade shows minor abrasions and tip rounding consistent with frequent use and long-term storage. Based on the manufacturer and the ornate casting style, this piece likely dates to the early-to-mid 20th century, approximately 1920-1940. It serves as an interesting piece of industrial advertising memorabilia, showcasing the decorative craftsmanship common in functional desk accessories of that era.