Stunning Cased Victorian Hallmarked Silver and Mother of Pearl Letter Opener - Medieval Halberd Axe - by Henry Wigfull of Sheffield 1900

Here on offer is a stunning Victorian hallmarked silver and mother of pearl letter opener in the form of a medieval Halberd Axe by Henry Wigfull (Lee & Wigfull) of Sheffield, dated to 1900. It comes with its original fitted silk lined case.

This impressive and possibly unique piece has been made in the image of a medieval Halberd Axe, with a solid one piece silver top section and fine mother of pearl grip.

The silver axe has a fine polished finish and is in perfect condition. The mother of pearl grip has a beautiful smooth finish with just a slight natural “slice” missing to the rounded tip, that looks to have been from when it was made.

Personally, I would say this letter opener has never been used and looks have to been just stored safely in its case since it was made, 126 years ago now.

It has a set of English silver hallmarks, the Lion Passant for English silver (925), a crown for the assay office of Sheffield and the date letter “h” for the year 1900.

It also displays the makers mark that are the letters “H W”, that relates to the silversmith, Henry Wigfull of Sheffield, England.

Henry Wigfull (Lee & Wigfull)
Lee & Wigfull (Sheffield) Ltd. George S. Lee was active in Charlotte Street Works, Sheffield, together with Henry Wigfull from 1871. The firm was described as a Manufacturing Silversmith, Electro Plater and Britannia Metal Smith. The partnership between George Shadford Lee and Henry Wigfull was dissolved in 1879. The business was continued by Henry Wigfull under the name of Lee and Wigfull despite the departure of Mr Lee at the address (John Street Works, Sheffield). The firm was converted in 1899 into a limited liability company under the style of Lee & Wigfull (Sheffield) Ltd. Lee & Wigfull used several trademarks, including:

• an anchor with the initials GSL or H W
• a sailor with a cutlass and Union Jack ensign (acquired from Benjamin Grayson)
• the trade name ALBION SILVER

It is also stamped with an Rd number 367021 which dates the registered design to the years 1900/01.

It comes with its original leather covered fitted case, that is in excellent condition. Inside it is lined with a beautiful royal blue silk and velvet lining, that has kept the axe opener perfect over the years. The push button catch on the front still works perfectly.

Today, pieces by Henry Wigfull (Lee & Wigfull) are appreciated for their solid top quality, classic Sheffield styling, and the firm’s long-standing contribution to Britain’s silver and electro-plate industry.

The letter opener measures 6” (15.2cm) long with a 2.25” (5.8cm) curved blade.

It weighs 40g and with the case 140g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thank you for taking the time to look.

Code: 52292