A Circa 1872 Victorian small Sterling Silver Gothic style letter opener. Manufactured by William Henry Dee and retailed by John Cooper of 41 St.James Street, London. 
 
William Henry Dee created high quality smaller silver goods and novelties during the 1870s and 1880s. His work includes letter openers, vesta cases, snuff boxes, decanters, Spirit measures, inkwells etc. His work as a silversmith is known to be well formed and of good quality. 
 
It is 10cm in length and has a loop to the end for chain attachment. 
 
The main attraction of this piece is the beautifully Gothic handle. It features an ogival shape, with an internal design in club form which is in fitting with the window tracery design of the period. 
 
The piece has hallmarking for London assay office, with the date letter “r”, dating it to 1872. It also has the makers mark H.W.D for Henry William Dee.
 
Dimensions:
Total Length: 101mm
Handle Width: 17mm
Handle thickness: 4.3mm
Blade width: 16mm
Blade thickness: 1mm