Greece Brass Sword Letter Opener with Stones Appraisal
Category: Letter Opener
Description
The item is a letter opener crafted in the shape of a sword. It appears to be made of solid brass, as indicated by the provided context, and has a silver-toned finish, possibly due to plating or polishing. The handle features an ornate design and is accented with three inlaid stones: a red colored stone at the top, followed by a green colored stone in the middle, and another green colored stone at the bottom. The crossguard is intricate with scrolled ends. The blade of the letter opener is long and narrow, tapering to a point. Detailed intricate scrollwork or foliate designs are etched or cast into the surface of the blade. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the image. Based on the context, the item is estimated to be approximately 50 years old and originates from Greece, suggesting a mid to late 20th-century style. The overall quality appears good given the detailed metalwork on the handle, crossguard, and blade, indicative of a reasonably skilled level of craftsmanship. The condition appears to be good with no obvious signs of significant damage, wear, or repairs, although the exact condition of the surface and any patina is difficult to assess definitively from the single image provided.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the Greece Solid Brass Sword Letter Opener with Stones and have conducted an initial appraisal. The letter opener presents as a well-crafted item, featuring a sword design with a solid brass composition, given a silver-toned finish. The ornate handle with inlaid red and green stones, intricate crossguard, and etched/cast scrollwork on the blade point to a decorative piece from Greece, likely dating back approximately 50 years as stated. Aesthetically, the item is appealing, showcasing decent craftsmanship in its details. Condition appears good based on the image, with no obvious signs of significant damage, but surface wear, patina, and the integrity of the stone settings would require in-person inspection for definitive assessment. Authenticity as a genuine Greek item from the stated period cannot be fully verified from images alone; confirmation would necessitate in-hand examination, assessment of manufacturing techniques consistent with the period and origin, and potentially provenance documentation. Market conditions对于 decorative brass objects of this type are generally stable but not exceptionally high in demand unless associated with a notable maker or historical significance. Comparables in this category typically retail in the lower to mid-range for decorative desk accessories. The demand for such items is primarily from collectors of letter openers or those seeking unique decorative desk items. The rarity is not exceptionally high for this style and period. Factors impacting value include the quality of the brass and finish, the artistic execution of the design and etching, and importantly, confirmed origin and age. Without physical examination, I must state that this appraisal is based solely on the visual evidence presented and provided information; a physical inspection is needed to fully confirm condition, authenticity, and manufacturing details which could significantly influence the final value.
Appraisal Value
$40 - $80