Sampson Mordan Pig Letter Opener for Waterman Pens

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Sampson Mordan Pig Letter Opener for Waterman Pens

About the Item

A sterling silver page turner, or letter opener featuring a pig. This is an exceptional piece, and very rare indeed, if not unique. Not only was it made by one of England's finest silversmith's; Sampson Mordan. It was also made to commemorate America's finest fountain pen maker; Waterman's, twenty-fifth anniversary. The pen maker was established in New York by Lewis Edson Waterman in 1884 after transitioning from a pen salesman to founding his own company. This would likely have been presented to one of the owners (L.E Waterman died 1901), or senior individuals at the company. The wonderful piece of hand engraving on the blade shows the company's logo and the founding, and anniversary date. The importance of the pig is not so easily understood and was likely in relation to pigs as being seen in some cultures as pigs symbolising abundance, wealth and strength. This next part is deduction and is open to conjecture, but the piece is presented in a box with the name 'L & C Hardmuth' on the inside of the lid. There is a very good chance that this was a gift from the owners of the world's oldest manufacturers and suppliers of Pencils, not to mention the second largest company in Europe at the time of Waterman's twenty-five years of being in business. There is a great chance that Hardmuth provided all the leads for Waterman's propelling pencils at the time. So, perhaps this was a 'Thank you' gift for the twenty-five years of business between the two companies. Regardless of the hypothesis on the historical importance of this piece, it is a truly a wonderful find. It is in all original condition, unmolested or polished and includes the the aforementioned presentation box. It will be of interest to many parties; pen collectors, pig enthusiasts, Mordan collectors and anyone who likes unusual and rare desk pieces. The piece has hallmarks for being made by Sampson Mordan in Chester, England in 1908.

Creator:
Sampson Mordan & Co. (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 0.52 in (1.33 cm)Width: 0.563 in (1.43 cm)Depth: 4.875 in (12.39 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
1908
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU919311208101