Vintage Ornate Cast Brass Letter Opener
Antique Desk Accessories

Vintage Ornate Cast Brass Letter Opener

This is a vintage one-piece cast brass letter opener with an ornate, highly stylized design. The object features a blade with a curved back edge and a straight cutting edge, decorated with a repeating repoussé-style pattern of raised circles and fleurs-de-lis. The handle is exceptionally decorative, exhibiting Baroque or Rococo influence with its heavy scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and a central oval medallion encircled by a beaded border. The material is a golden-toned brass alloy showing a natural aged patina, with darker oxidation settled into the deep recesses of the decorative casting, which enhances the visual depth of the ornamentation. The construction appears to be sand-cast or die-cast in a single mold, resulting in a solid, substantial feel. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures on the upward-facing side. Condition-wise, the item shows minor surface scratches and localized tarnishing consistent with age and moderate use. The edges of the blade appear dull, as is standard for a slitter of this type. It likely dates from the mid-20th century, following traditional European decorative motifs.

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $75.00

Basic Information

Category

Antique Desk Accessories

Appraised On

February 18, 2026

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $75.00

Item Description

This is a vintage one-piece cast brass letter opener with an ornate, highly stylized design. The object features a blade with a curved back edge and a straight cutting edge, decorated with a repeating repoussé-style pattern of raised circles and fleurs-de-lis. The handle is exceptionally decorative, exhibiting Baroque or Rococo influence with its heavy scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and a central oval medallion encircled by a beaded border. The material is a golden-toned brass alloy showing a natural aged patina, with darker oxidation settled into the deep recesses of the decorative casting, which enhances the visual depth of the ornamentation. The construction appears to be sand-cast or die-cast in a single mold, resulting in a solid, substantial feel. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures on the upward-facing side. Condition-wise, the item shows minor surface scratches and localized tarnishing consistent with age and moderate use. The edges of the blade appear dull, as is standard for a slitter of this type. It likely dates from the mid-20th century, following traditional European decorative motifs.

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