Item Report
Egyptian Revival Bone Letter Opener with Ankh Motif
By: Unknown artisan
Style: Egyptian Revival Decorative Arts
Origin: Likely Western manufacture (Europe or United States), inspired by Ancient Egypt
Materials: Bone
Age: Circa 1920-1950
Condition: Very Good (some minor surface discoloration, no chips or cracks visible, hand-carved)
Value: $30–$80 (auction/liquidation value)
Maker's Marks / Writing: None visible
Date: 2025-06-27 17:17:49.312618
Description:
This is a vintage letter opener carved from bone, featuring a handle decorated with an 'ankh' motif—a symbol of life from ancient Egyptian iconography. The handle also displays simple geometric engravings just below the ankh, and the blade is smoothly polished and pointed. The Egyptian Revival style became especially popular in Western decorative arts in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, often inspired by archaeological discoveries. The item’s hand-carved quality and material suggest artisanal, likely tourist-market origins, ca. early-mid 20th century.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This piece is a decorative, hand-carved bone letter opener made for the tourist or decorative market rather than an artifact of ancient origin. The ankh motif and stylized form are strong Egyptian Revival cues, seen frequently in decorative items produced after the 1920s. The condition appears very good with minimal surface discoloration, and the finish is consistent with mid-century bone craft.
Individual Images:
- No additional detail images provided; the primary image shows all relevant features: the ankh handle
- engraved geometric motifs
- and pointed form. No visible maker’s marks.
Provenance:
No provenance documents provided
Condition:
Very Good (some minor surface discoloration, no chips or cracks visible, hand-carved)
Identification Score: 95%
The use of bone, carving style, and ankh motif clearly mark it as an Egyptian Revival letter opener, a form well-documented in early-mid 20th-century decorative arts. High score given due to easily recognized iconography and form.
Authenticity Score: 15%
While the piece is decorative and vintage, it is not an authentic artifact from ancient Egypt. The materials, wear, and carving are consistent with early to mid-20th-century souvenir or decorative production, not antiquity.
Image Memory Note
Egyptian Revival bone letter opener with ankh handle, ca. 1920–1950, used as decorative/vintage desk accessory.
Keywords
Egyptian Revival, letter opener, bone, ankh, vintage, decorative arts, 20th century, Europe, United States
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