Whale Ivory Letter Opener, circa 1850, constructed with four pieces, silver riveted handle with a twisted vine open work handle. The blade with matching twisted vine open work.
Length 10 in.
Together with Whalebone Sugar Tongs, circa 1870, the tongs comprised of two similar open work panels with hearts, tortoise dot inlays, teardrop ends with shells joined with a piece of cut metal. Length 5 ½ in.
Provenance: Paul Madden Antiques
Thomas A. Gray Scrimshaw Collection