Antique Sorrento ware inlaid letter opener in olive wood with inlaid oval marquetry of young woman carrying a bowl Italian grand tour memento c 1880

An antique Victorian period mid to late 19th century, carved and shaped olive wood paper knife or letter opener inlaid with an oval roundel containing a marquetry figure of a young bare footed woman carrying a bowl. It was made in Sorrento in Campania in South Western Italy, in around 1880.

This paper knife has been well used as can be seen to the wear to the edges of the blade, there are some  losses to the carving on the handle. It has a deep patina.

A highly decorative an collectable item of antique continental European continental wooden-ware. Ideal for collectors of antique letter knives, desk top items, wooden ware or treen. It was probably bought as a souvenir of the Grand Tour, which would often include nearby Naples.

The paper knife is 10 1/2 inches (26.7 cm) long and is 1 1/4 inches (76 cm) wide and about 3/16 (0.3cm) thick, it weighs 16 grammes  unpacked.

We offer free UK delivery with this item when purchased at the listed price. International tracked postage at cost.